Bitter gourd seeds can be planted directly into the compost. Some gardeners prefer to soak the seeds overnight. Soaking the seeds allows the germination process to start, as they absorb a lot of water.
Remember bitter gourd seeds should be started indoors. Place the seeds in a pot of sandy, well-drained soil. It’s a wise idea to use a large pot because once germinated, the plants proliferate.
Don’t plant the seeds too deep; 1cm in the soil is more than enough. Even though bitter gourd seeds love water, avoid soggy conditions. It’s critical to have a good drainage system.
Since bitter gourd seeds need high temperatures to germinate successfully, make sure to position the pots within 90cm of the west or south-facing windows where they’ll get direct sunlight.
Some gardeners warm the pots to 30 degrees Celsius using a mat and keep the pots covered to retain warmth and moisture near the seeds.
Remember to water when the soil is slightly dry in the top to prevent rot and mildew. You can expect the first seedlings in approximately four days, with most of the seeds germinating around day eight.