Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia Linn.), locally known as ampalaya, is part of the Cucurbitaceae family and a primary crop cultivated in the Philippines since it’s versatile and has many health benefits. It usually has a bitter taste, hence the name.
Two ampalaya seed types are in the market: the open-pollinated varieties (OPV) and the hybrid varieties, with the former available through Research Outreach Stations (ROS) and the latter available in agricultural supplies stores.
When growing ampalaya, it’s crucial to use sandy or clay soil with good drainage. It also needs a high organic content and a neutral pH of 6 to 6.7. Although farmers can plant ampalaya in any month of the year, it has a higher production level between October and February.
Before planting, prepare the soil to ensure a high production rate. The earth needs to be loose enough. Plow the soil then again after seven days.
Ampalaya plants need a trellis to climb onto and grow accordingly. Trellises support the climbing plant and promote quality produce, making cultural management of the plant easier. Establish the trellis after the second plowing, giving it a distance of 2.5 to 3.0 meters in width and 1.5 to 2 meters in height. Remember that the length of the vine depends on the planting area. Use bamboo or wood posts at every three-meter distance and strong ropes like nylon wires. Fish nets are also practical when growing ampalaya.
There are two ways to plant ampalaya–through direct planting or transferring.
In direct planting, put one seed in every mound along the furrow, with a distance of 30 to 50 centimeters. Replace if there is a disease, dead seedling, or empty hill after 15 days after emergence.
On the other hand, when opting to transfer the plant from one growing medium to another, use seedling trays first. Prepare a 1:1:1 ratio of garden soil, carbonized rice hull, and compost as a potting medium for the seedling tray. Place one seed in the tray’s available spaces.
Water the planted seeds daily until a seedling sprouts. Prepare to transfer the seedling by slowly increasing its sun exposure and decreasing water. Transfer to the soil 15 days after planting in the seedling tray or when leaves sprout.
Plant in the afternoon for higher chances of adapting to the new environment. Water the seedlings with a primary solution of urea, an organic compound formula (46-0-0), in six liters of water. Immediately follow with water to avoid damaging the plant.
Fertilization is another way to ensure the plant’s productivity. Put 10 to 20 tons of organic fertilizer, such as manure or compost, in every hectare of land. In planting, put 20 grams or two tablespoons of complete fertilizer with a ratio of 14-14-14 in every mound.
Another way to fertilize ampalaya plants is by placing 10 grams or one tablespoon of urea on the sides of every mound before covering it with dirt again. Repeat two to three times or more every two weeks. Cover the fertilizer with six centimeters of soil.
In the meantime, pruning and de-weeding are ideal practices for plant maintenance. Remove all lateral vines, except for one or two, and dry leaves from the lower part to one meter higher so the nutrients can focus on stem production and fruiting. Cultivate the soil away from the plant seven to 10 days after planting to prevent weed growth.
For pest management, the fruit fly is the primary concern for ampalaya growers. On the other hand, bacterial wilt is a common disease. To avoid both, it requires cultural management and maintaining the cleanliness of the farm.
The ampalaya plant will be ready for harvesting 18 to 20 days after it flowers or when the fruits are adequately long and the seeds are still young.
This information is from the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI).