A short practical guide on how to propagate WILD BITTER GOURD! The wonder fruit for diabetics...

                                     WILD BITTER GOURD (Ampalayang ligaw) 

                           

Wild bitter gourd is an annual vine that has stems with five ridges and coiling organs called tendril. It has simple leaves that resemble a hand with patterns of dot and vein. It has small, solitary, yellow flowers (1 inches diameter), that develop into small ovoid fruits (2 to 3 inches in length and 1½ inches in diameter). The outer skin of the fruit has a rough ridge like protrusion.

                 

Propagate by direct-seeding or by transplanting month old seedlings. Prepare the plantation area by plowing the field twice and by harrowing liberally. Make plots with drainage canals along the contour line at 2 ½ meters distance between rows of plots and then place the seed or the seedling on the plot at intervals of 40 cm.

Bitter gourd thrives in any kind of soil but will thrive best in a loamy soil that is high in organic matter. Propagation can be made the whole year round in the tropics if the supply of irrigation water is adequate.

Provide a six feet high trellis to make sure that the growing vine can get full sun-light. The high trellis will protect a

developing fruit from touching the soil and from soil borne diseases. Avoid crowding and shading between growing vines by arranging them well on the trellis.

Start harvesting mature fruits, 1½ to 2 months after planting or 15 days after fruit set. Continue harvesting at intervals of 3 to 5 days within the next two months or until an economical yield is still obtainable.

Place harvested fruits in a basket or any suitable container with cushioning materials such as old newspapers placed at the bottom. Do not pack too deep to avoid bruising the fruits. Immediately deliver all packed fruits to the market.    

Note: The fruit of wild bitter gourd is so potent. Boiling a single fruit in a liter of water will make a             healthy drink that is good for sugar metabolism.