How to grow momordica at home?

You are concerned about the question growing momordica from seed? Probably also at home? After reading this article, you will learn how to do it step by step!

What kind of plant is this? Let's meet in this video!

Momordica Is a southern climbing plant that belongs to the pumpkin family. People often call it Indian or yellow cucumber. It is grown in apartments or in a suburban area.

Momordica is a wonderful decorative decoration for windows, gazebos, balconies. Due to the fact that its fruits have medicinal properties, it is used not only in cooking, but also for medicinal purposes.

How to Plant and Grow Momordica?

Momordica seeds in a bag

The seeds are large (up to 1.5 cm in length), have a rounded flat shape. Each seed has its own interesting pattern. Many compare it to Indian motives.

• To grow momordica successfully, seed scarification is performed first. The tip of each seed is passed several times with a sandpaper (emery paper). This will help them swell and open up faster.

• After that, the seeds are soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate. They must be in solution for several hours in order to soak well and go through the disinfection process.

• They are then placed in soft toilet paper, moistened with water, and left in a warm, dry place. Instead of paper, you can take sawdust.

• When the seeds open and the first roots appear, you can start planting them in pots with soil. The seed is inserted edge-to-edge into the ground. It should be slightly covered with soil on top (by 1.5 - 2 cm). After planting, the pot is watered, and until the next watering it is left in a bright place for two days.

What kind of soil is suitable for growing?

The soil must be balanced (earth, some sand, humus particles, peat). The earth should be loose, allow oxygen and water to pass to the roots. Clay soil is not suitable... In specialized departments, you can purchase ready-made soil for seedlings.

The land is suitable for growing cucumbers, tomatoes, pumpkins. The choice of a pot should also be approached responsibly. Momordica feels best in a peat pot. This southern vine begins to grow in the spring (March, April).

Seedling care

Photo of momordica seedlings

In order for Momordica to grow and develop well, it is necessary to provide her with the necessary conditions.

• The temperature of the room in which the pots are located should be 19 - 25 ° C. The room should be dry, the air humidified in moderation.

• Two weeks later, the first shoots appear.During this period, you need to protect them from drafts and cold, moisten the soil. You can feed it once every two weeks.

• Fertilizer must be mineral and organic.

• With proper care, the plant quickly begins to grow into growth. When its height is 23 - 25 cm, it should be transplanted into a larger pot and create reliable support for it.

Landing on the site

Planting is recommended late May or early June... You can do this a little earlier. The main thing is that warm spring weather has already settled on the street in the daytime and at night.

In our lane, it is recommended to grow momordica in a closed greenhouse or greenhouse. Some gardeners are planted in open ground and covered with thick film at night and in the rain. The southern regions have a milder and warmer climate and hot summers.

There is no need to install a greenhouse. The root system of Momordica is weak. Roots can be damaged during planting, so care must be taken.

For planting, holes are prepared in advance at a distance of 50 - 60 cm from each other (not less). The soil should be saturated with humus and moistened before planting.

Soil features

Photo of soil for growing Momordica

• Momordica is quite demanding on soil fertility. Experienced gardeners recommend planting it in the place where tomatoes, peas, beans, pumpkin or potatoes were previously grown. Caring for her is no more difficult than caring for a pumpkin or cucumber.... It is important to create the necessary conditions for development and growth.

• It is recommended to feed with organic fertilizers, which are poured in the open field under digging (up to 8-10 kg per 1 m2). It is recommended to alternate organic fertilizer with mineral fertilizer.

• Momordica does not like excessive acidity of the soil. If the soil of the garden has high acidity, it is recommended to supply it with lime per 1 m2 of the garden area.

• There should be no stagnant water... This can lead to the beginning of rotting of the root system, which will result in death. This plant loves sunlight and does not tolerate darkened areas.

Momordica care

• Experienced gardeners say that it is imperative to thin out the crown, remove side shoots. There should be no more than three main stems on the plant. When the vine is above 50 cm, the cuttings are removed after the first ovary appears. Our strip is characterized by a rather short summer. It should be remembered that you are caring for the vine. You shouldn't let it grow too much.... She can spend energy on the growth and development of greenery, but give little fruit.

• An adult plant will need good support. A vertical trellis is perfect. With the help of it, it will be possible to create the right lighting.

• During flowering, the first shoots are formed. Male flowers are formed first, followed by female flowers. Gardeners should be aware that leaves and stems can cause burns during this period. They must be handled with great care.

• Fruits are harvested 2 weeks after emergence... With the harvest, it is better not to delay and remove it at the specified time, since it is during this period that the fruits do not contain bitterness in taste. In addition, frequent harvesting leads to more active fruiting. If the fruits remain on the branches for a long time, then the plant is weakened.

• You need to carefully monitor the drying of the soil and water the plant in a timely manner. In hot weather, Momordica loves good, abundant watering. In dry summers, it is watered twice a week, one bucket per plant. If it is not possible to water in the middle of the week, then once a week each bush should be watered with two buckets of water at once. To help the moisture evaporate less, you can sprinkle the soil with humus or peat around the vine.

• The plant can be fed. The easiest way is to water the mullein infusion once every ten days. Feed only if the soil is infertile.

• Many gardeners say that seedlings it is recommended to harden before planting... This will help momordica settle down and better adapt to other conditions. To do this, pots with seedlings after 2 weeks begin to be taken out into the open air. This should be done only in warm sunny weather. You can take out the seedlings on the balcony during the day and open the windows, and leave them outside in the country. Temper gradually and be careful. First, take it outside for 30 minutes, and then for 1 hour or more.

Tips for growing momordica indoors

Tips for growing momordics at home

Best of all, it takes root on a loggia, an insulated glazed balcony, wide light windowsills. The conditions should be such that the plant receives as much sunlight and heat as possible.

In hot weather, the leaves should be protected from sunlight. It is best to use diffused lighting. Protect from drafts in cold weather.

It is best to feed with a special fertilizer for indoor plants (according to the instructions).

It is imperative to think over the support, as for any creeper. A vertical trellis works well.

For fruit formation, momordica must be artificially pollinated. When grown in the garden, there are no problems with pollination, since insects do it. Houseplants should be helped. This process is simple. It is necessary to transfer pollen from a male flower to a female bud. It is most convenient to do this with a soft brush ("squirrel") or with a cotton pad.

Pests and diseases

Powdery mildew - a very common disease. The leaves are covered with spots of white bloom. Leaves quickly lose color, darken and curl up. The disease is quickly transmitted from one bush to another. You can get rid of it by disinfecting the greenhouse, maintaining optimal humidity, processing with a solution of colloidal sulfur.

White rot is a fungal disease. Most often occurs when grown in greenhouses and hotbeds. White rot affects the root area. High humidity and watering with very cold water can cause this disease. They get rid of it by disinfecting the greenhouse, weeding, spraying with fungicides.

Bacteriosis is the formation of brown ulcers on the leaves (sometimes on the fruits). Infected bushes are often destroyed, but bacteriosis can be fought. To do this, you can spray with Bordeaux liquid and disinfect the seeds.

Whitefly lesion. Unlike other pests, whiteflies are difficult to control. It is better to follow preventive measures in order to prevent her attack. After harvesting, the greenhouse should be disinfected and frozen. Treatment with garlic infusion will help to reduce the number of insects.

Problems while growing Momordica are related to improper care. In order for the plant to develop well and yield a harvest, it is imperative to follow the growing recommendations.

As you can see, growing Momordica from seeds is quite within the power of everyone, the main thing is to treat this activity responsibly and carefully!

I have selected a very interesting video for you! Take a look!

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Momordica, although it belongs to exotic plants, has long managed to fall in love with many flower growers in our country. Some appreciate it for its decorative appearance, others like its fruits, and still others grow it as a medicinal culture. Momordica is popularly known as Indian Cucumber, Mad Cucumber and Chinese Melon. It grows well both in open ground and in greenhouses, on balconies, in a room on a windowsill. Growing and caring is not particularly difficult, and even a beginner can cope with this.

Momordica

What is Momordica

Momordica is a herbaceous vine belonging to the pumpkin family. Among the 20 species known today, there are both perennial and annual varieties of this plant. In culture, as a rule, only two species are grown - charantia (Momordica charantia) and Cochin (Momordica cochinchinensis).Wild vines are most common in the tropical forests of India, southern China, the Caribbean. Several types of Momordica grow on the Crimean Peninsula. In lianas, fruits, seeds, young shoots and leaves are edible, in addition, all parts of the plant have medicinal properties.

Momordica (Latin Momordica)

Description of the plant

The shoots of Momordica are very thin, rather strong, from 2 to 4 m long, the carved leaves have a rich green color. The plant has dioecious five-petal flowers: the male flowers are large, bright yellow in color, with high pedicels, and the female flowers are smaller in size and have a short stalk. The male flowers bloom first and give off a very pleasant strong scent similar to the scent of jasmine. Before the fruit ripens, the plant is covered with stinging hairs, like in nettle, but then the hairs completely disappear.

Momordica charantia

The ovaries are formed almost immediately after pollination. The fruits vaguely resemble overgrown cucumbers with warty skin. Their length can vary between 10-25 cm, and a diameter of about 7 cm. As they ripen, the color of the fruit goes from bright green to yellow-orange. During this period, the plant looks very decorative and unusual, especially when planted near a hedge. Ripe fruits burst at the bottom and become like large, loose flowers with three petals twisted upward. Up to 30 dark-colored seeds in a strong shell, similar to pomegranate seeds, fall out of them. The pulp of the fruit is very juicy, dark red in color, with a pleasant taste and slight bitterness.

Momordiki's name comes from the Latin word for "bite"

The chemical composition of the fruit

Protein	0.84 g
Carbohydrates	4.32 g
Alimentary fiber	2
Beta carotene	68 mcg
Lutein	1323 μg
Folic acid	51 μg
Vitamin C	33 mg
Calcium	9 mg
Potassium	319 mg
Iron	0.38 mg
Magnesium	16 mg
Zinc	0.77 mg
Phosphorus	36 mg

Growing Momordica

Growing Momordica

Liana propagates by seeds and cuttings. The first method is used much more often, since it guarantees high germination and does not require much effort. But the survival rate of cuttings is not too high, and it is not always possible to get a strong plant from them. In a temperate climate in open ground, momordica is grown only through seedlings, since the plant is thermophilic, and with late sowing it does not have time to bear fruit. Under indoor conditions, artificial pollination is required for liana to harvest.

Landing

Ripe Momordica Seeds

Step 1... Seeds are prepared for planting. To begin with, only dark-colored seeds are selected, since light ones are considered insufficiently ripe. For disinfection, the seed is immersed for half an hour in a weak solution of potassium permanganate at room temperature. Next, a teaspoon of natural honey is diluted in a glass of warm water and a linen napkin is moistened in this solution. Seeds are wrapped in a napkin and placed in a warm place, for example, near a battery. It is impossible to wrap them up with foil, this contributes to the rotting of the seeds, it is better to moisten the napkin as it dries. Germination usually takes about 2 weeks.

Sprouted Momordica Seeds

Video - How to germinate momordica seeds

Step 2. To plant seeds, take peat cups, fill them with soil mixture from garden soil and humus (ratio 1: 3). The soil substrate must be warmed up for an hour in the oven, because it can contain pest larvae and harmful spores.

Soil mixtures for growing momordica

Step 3. The seeds that have hatched are placed on the edge and lightly pressed into the soil by 1-2 cm, sprinkled with calcined sand, watered. The cups are placed in transparent bags or covered with cut plastic bottles to ensure optimal moisture conditions for the seedlings. The room temperature should be at least 20 degrees. Seedlings appear in about two weeks.

Planting momordica seeds in peat pots

Seedling care

When the shoots appear above the surface, the cover is removed from the pots, the soil is moistened with a spray bottle and the plants are placed on a light windowsill on the east or west side. Be sure to shade the seedlings from direct sunlight. After the first true leaves appear, momordica needs to be fed with a weak solution of superphosphate and potassium sulfate. It is not recommended to use nitrogen fertilizers during this period.

Seedlings of Momordica

Momordica seedling care

The temperature in the room can be reduced to 16-18 degrees, this is quite enough for normal development. Provide seedlings with light on cloudy days and protection from drafts. 2 weeks after the first feeding, add organic matter to the soil, after another 2 - mineral fertilizers. Watering should be moderate, but regular, so that the substrate in the cups does not dry out. On warm days, the seedlings are taken out into the open air for hardening.

Momordica sprout

After the seedlings grow up to 25 cm, they need to be transplanted either into a larger pot, or into a greenhouse, if the threat of frost has not yet passed. You need to plant directly in the cups, since the momordica root system does not respond well to transplantation.

Momordica - mad melon

Landing in open ground

Momordica - a place to grow

For vines, you should choose a well-lit dry place with loose, permeable soil. Damp areas of momordica are not suitable, as the roots of the plant quickly rot if excessive moisture is present. Fertilized loams with neutral acidity are best suited. Before planting, a mullein or urea solution is introduced into the soil, dug up or loosened. The vine should be planted in late May or early June.

When planting, the root collar should not be too deep, otherwise the plant will develop poorly. The minimum distance between seedlings is about 80 cm. The planted plants are watered abundantly and in the first days they are slightly shaded from the bright sun.

Momordica care

Plant care

Immediately after planting, install reliable supports near the seedlings along which the vine will trail. You can immediately plant seedlings near trellises or by a fence. As soon as the root system adapts, the plant will actively build up its green mass. Thickening negatively affects the formation of fruits, and therefore, if you want to get a good harvest, you should regularly cut off all excess.

Support for momordica creepers

Absolutely all lateral shoots are cut from the ground to a height of up to half a meter from the main stem. After the appearance of the first ovaries, the crown is thinned out, the thickest lashes are removed, the central stem is pinched at a height of 1.2 m.During pruning, do not forget about protective gloves, otherwise the skin on the hands will turn red and itch, as with a nettle burn.

Flowering momordica

Momordica - growing

In hot weather, daily watering is required. They take the water that is settled and warm, in a volume of 10 liters for each bush. Watering is best in the evenings, and in the morning, slightly loosen the soil at the roots. Very often, when watering, the roots are exposed, which leads to their drying out and damage. To protect the root system, you need to periodically add fresh soil, but not too thickly.

Momordica is fed with complex fertilizers containing potassium, calcium and nitrogen. A good effect is given by a mixture of cow manure with poultry droppings in a 1: 2 ratio. A liter of the mixture is diluted in 10 liters of water and poured under the bush. The frequency of dressing is once every 3 weeks.

Diseases and pests in Momordica are the same as in other pumpkin crops: bacteriosis, powdery mildew, gray rot, aphids. Affected plants are powdered with wood ash, sprayed with colloidal sulfur (40 g per bucket of water) or a weak infusion of mullein. In advanced cases, copper oxychloride and other chemicals are used.

Advice! It is recommended to pick the fruits slightly unripe, while bitterness has not yet accumulated in the pulp.It is necessary to determine by color: the peel has already completely turned yellow, but has not yet acquired a bright orange tint. This usually occurs 10 days after the appearance of the ovaries. The collected "cucumbers" are laid out for ripening in a cool, bright room.

Momordica in the garden - photo

Propagation by cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is most often used if momordica is grown indoors. The optimal time for this is mid-April.

Step 1... The healthiest and strongest shoots are selected and cuttings up to 12 cm long are cut from them, leaving 3-4 internodes. The lower cut is made at an angle to the kidney, the upper one is straight.

Step 2. A teaspoon of honey is dissolved in a glass of water and the cuttings are soaked for a day.

Step 3. Peat and sifted river sand are mixed in a 1: 1 ratio, poured into a small container, and well moistened.

Step 4. The lower ends of the cuttings are deepened into the substrate, the container is covered with a bag. Periodically, the substrate must be moistened and the temperature maintained within 20-22 degrees.

Momordica stalk

Step 5. After the roots appear on the cuts, the cuttings are planted in open ground or a greenhouse, watered and covered with a cut plastic bottle for several days until the leaves begin to form.

Harvesting a plant for medicinal purposes

For medicinal purposes, parts of the plant are harvested at different times. The leaves are cut in May, during the formation of the bush, the seeds are harvested in the summer months, when the fruits open, the rhizome is dug in October. Be sure to dry in the air, under a canopy to avoid direct exposure to rays. The fruits can also be dried by cutting into small wedges. Dried raw materials are stored in bags made of paper or thick cloth, as well as in glassware with a tightly screwed lid. As a rule, the aboveground parts of the plant do not lose their beneficial properties for 1-2 years, roots - up to 3 years, fruits - from 3 to 4 years.

Sliced ​​Momordica Fruit

Application of Momordica

Most gardeners plant this amazing vine near gazebos, arches, fences to decorate the site. Its carved foliage and bright unusual fruits attract attention from afar, giving the landscape a certain zest.

Fruits, seeds, leaves and young shoots are widely used in cooking. They are added to salads, first courses, salted, pickled, fried, eaten raw and boiled. The bitterness, which is felt in ripe fruits, does not interfere with enjoying the taste, moreover, it is almost invisible during heat treatment.

Momordica snack

Momordica in cooking

Even more widely, momordica is used in medicine. The active substances contained in the plant normalize the production of insulin, accelerate metabolism, have a sedative and antispasmodic effect. In folk medicine, tinctures from various parts of the vine are used to relieve inflammation, as an antiemetic, and also as an immunomodulator. Fresh pounded greens are applied to wounds and abscesses, and expectorant infusions are prepared from the roots for bronchitis.

Using Momordica

It is important! Despite the many useful properties, not everyone can use momordica. The juice of unripe fruits contains toxins, and there are also hazardous substances in the seed skins. That is why it is forbidden to use any parts of the plant for children, as well as for pregnant and lactating women. If you eat a lot of seeds, it can cause severe poisoning and fever, and in some cases even coma. In addition, in some people, eating the pulp of the fruit causes intestinal upset and allergies, as a result of individual intolerance to certain components.

To avoid such troubles, you need to taste exotic fruits carefully, in small pieces. If there are no negative reactions, you can eat the plant without fear, but, of course, within reasonable limits.

Video - Momordika: description

The exotic and the extraordinary attracts gardeners, florists and gardeners like a magnet. Pineapples, coconuts, orange and lemon trees have become commonplace in our homes and apartments. But, believe me, the plant world will never tire of surprising us. Pay attention to the tropical vine with the unusual name "momordica". Growing this exotic at home is quite real, moreover, you can get amazing and edible fruits. Read the article on what is needed for this.

Genus

A whole genus of plants belonging to the pumpkin family and including about 20 species is united under the name "momordica". All of them are perennial and annual tropical lianas that grow in the humid forests of Australia, Africa and Asia. Two types are considered cultivated and widely used: Momordica harantia and Cochin.

Momordica charantia

An annual liana native to the tropical forests of Asia. It is cultivated all over the world in hot climates. The plant grows up to 4 m in length, has a 5-sided thick stem with simple antennae and longitudinal grooves. Ornamental leaves, rounded, deeply dissected on the petiole, 1 to 7 cm long, yellow flower, five-petal. Fruits of various shapes with a rough surface, warts and wrinkles are what Momordica is prized for. Growing from seeds at home is possible when two main conditions are created - good lighting and warmth.

The fruit has a bitter taste. To get rid of it, they are soaked for several hours in salted water. Then the vegetable is stewed, boiled and canned. It has outstanding performance. For example, momordica has 2 times more beta-carotene than broccoli.

Momordika Kokhinhinskaya

In Vietnam, it is also called "gak". An annual climbing plant with tripartite leaves and large ellipsoidal fruits. It is actively used in folk oriental medicine due to its high content of various substances: carotene, glycosides, lycopene, sapotoxin, tocopherol, essential fatty acids. It has 15 times more beta-carotene than regular carrots. It is grown in the southern regions along with the previous species.

Growing conditions of Momordica, similar to natural ones, are, by and large, easily recreated in a room, on a balcony, on a terrace, in a greenhouse, and even in open ground (in the southern regions). In addition to the practical benefits of the fruit, you also get aesthetic pleasure from a beautiful liana with large leaves and fragrant flowers.

Growing this exotic plant is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance; agricultural technology in this case is in many ways similar to that of its close relatives - pumpkins and zucchini. In the meantime, there are a few points worth paying attention to.

Seed treatment

High-quality planting material from a reliable manufacturer is what you should start with, otherwise it can grow after long expectations that is by no means Momordica. Growing and caring at home begins with preparing and sowing the seeds. They differ in rather large sizes (1.1-1.5 cm in length and up to 1 cm in width) and a dense thick shell. The shape of the seeds is flat-round with uneven edges and a rough surface. In order for them to germinate successfully, scarification is required, that is, mechanical damage to the rigid outer shell. To do this, rub the pointed tip of the seed with sandpaper so that the water penetrates inside faster, and it opens more freely.

Then soak the planting material in a dark raspberry solution of potassium permanganate for 3-4 hours. This not only disinfects, but also stimulates germination and further development. Then prepare wet sawdust (it is best to use a container with a lid, as, for example, from a cake) and place the seeds wrapped in a cloth in them. Remove to a warm place (+ 24 ... + 25 ° С) before germination. Such conditions contribute to almost 100% germination.Momordica (cultivation and care will be discussed in detail later in the text) hatch in different ways, but on average after 2-3 days.

Growing seedlings

As soon as the seeds hatch, they must immediately be planted in the prepared soil mixture. It is best to use individual pots with a diameter of about 10 cm. Fill them with soil from the store (you can use a special one for seedlings) or prepared in advance yourself. To do this, mix in a 1: 1: 1: 0.5 ratio of leafy soil, peat, humus and sand, respectively. The seeding depth is 1.5 cm. Pre-water the soil, lay them with an edge, and then sprinkle with dry earth. Cover the top of the pots with plastic and put in a warm place. It will take 3-4 days for momordica to germinate. Growing and caring for seedlings is simple in the future.

The soil must be kept moist, but not flooded. Plants for full development must be kept at a temperature of at least +20 ° C. Periodically (2 times a month) seedlings are fertilized with a solution of mineral and organic preparations in turn. Do not forget that when growing vines in room conditions, fertilizer consumption rates must be calculated in accordance with the volume of the earthen coma. Observe the dosage exactly, otherwise you can burn the roots.

Momordica: growing and caring at home

It is recommended to change the pot for the seedling by the time it reaches 25 cm in height. Prepare larger containers and transplant the momordica. Immediately take care of a permanent place for her in the apartment or on the balcony. Note that the plant does not tolerate shading, only the sun and bright light. Prepare trellises and support for the vine in advance. Subject to proper development and growth, one copy is able to braid at least half a balcony.

If your goal is to get a crop, then you should not thicken the crown. Remove all lateral shoots up to the level of 50 cm, and then leave 2-3 main stems. As soon as fruits begin to tie on them, the top should be pinched (by analogy with growing a pumpkin). Creepers have flowers for women and men, so pollination is required for the formation of an ovary. In natural conditions, this task is performed by insects; in artificial conditions, pollen must be transferred with a brush. Watering on hot days is daily and plentiful, in cloudy weather - as needed.

Diseases and pests

With cucumbers and melons in general, Momordica (cultivation and care, photo in the text) is similar in many ways. Including susceptibility to certain diseases and pests, namely: powdery mildew, white rot, bacteriosis and aphids. The air is often too dry. The native land of the plant is the tropics, where high ambient temperatures are combined with high atmospheric humidity. Therefore, regularly spray the plant late at night or in the early morning hours, place a container of water on the balcony, which will gradually evaporate. Another possible reason is sharp fluctuations in air temperature, in order to prevent this, try to maintain an average daily value of + 20 ... + 25 ° С, temperatures below 10 ° С are practically destructive for Momordika.

Use the same chemicals for processing as for cucumbers: Topaz, Quadris, VDG, Tiovit Jet, etc.

Harvesting and using it

Momordica, which is not so difficult to grow and care for, produces amazing fruits in shape and color, as well as in taste. It is recommended to collect them 8-10 days after emergence, at this moment they do not yet have a characteristic bitterness. In addition, it stimulates further formation of ovaries. Too much fruit is weakened by the plant. The harvested crop can be used at your own discretion - boil, stew, pickle. Everyone's taste preferences are different, but there is an opinion that an exotic vegetable resembles zucchini.

The fruits are especially widely used in Chinese-Tibetan folk medicine to treat a wide range of diseases: cardiovascular, burns, ulcers, diabetes, to lower cholesterol, etc.

Momordika: growing and care in the Urals

The question of whether it is possible to grow such an exotic plant in the conditions of the middle zone and the Urals is quite common. As for the method described above at home, then, in principle, it is relevant for any climatic zone, provided there is enough heat and light. However, as practice and the experience of gardeners show, momordica in the Urals can also be grown in open ground or in greenhouses.

The seedling method is used exclusively. Plants are planted in open ground at a distance of 50-70 cm from each other, when warm nights are established (at least from + 15 ... + 17 ° С). Further care involves loosening, tying to a trellis and regular abundant watering.

In our country, momordica is considered exotic, although it appears on garden plots more and more often. Our gardeners are showing more and more interest in it, and everyone has their own interest: someone likes its decorative effect, someone appreciates the delicious fruits, and someone sees only a medicinal plant in Momordica. As soon as they call momordika - Indian cucumber, mad pumpkin, Chinese melon, Indian pomegranate, balsamic pear, etc. In the article, we will tell you about growing Momordica from seeds, when to plant, how to propagate and give recommendations for care.

They say that ordinary people of Ancient China were forbidden to eat this plant, only the emperor and members of the imperial family had such a right. Hindus worship momordica as the plant of the gods, the Japanese call it the plant of long-livers. In Russia, this balsamic pear can be found on the shelves of Korean stores.

Although Russian gardeners prefer to grow this exotic plant themselves in their gardens, considering this activity interesting and informative. In our gardens and orchards, two main varieties of Momordica are grown: Indian pomegranate, or Momordica harantia, and Momordica balsamic or balsamic pear.

Momordica fruits are very similar to warty cucumbers, changing color from green to yellow-orange depending on the degree of ripeness.

What is Momordica

Momordica is a climbing plant in the form of a herbaceous vine, belonging to the pumpkin family. Today it is known about twenty of its species, among them there are both perennials and one-year-olds. This vine with thin and strong shoots can reach a length of four meters. Beautiful deep green leaves are carved and quite large in size. The flowers are large, with five petals, bright yellow, the male flowers have a high peduncle, the smaller female flowers have a shorter peduncle.

The bloom of momordica begins with masculine flowers and is accompanied by a strong pleasant scent, very similar to that of jasmine. The stinging hairs, which have a nettle effect, will persist on the plant until the fruits ripen, then they will disappear, completing their protective mission.

Momordica fruits are similar to overgrown cucumbers, which have a warty, pimply skin. These cucumbers are from 10 to 25 cm long, up to 7-8 cm in diameter.As the fruit ripens, its color changes - from bright green to yellow-orange, at the same time the fruit cracks from below, dividing into three parts, the "petals" are wrapped outward, and the fruit looks like a fabulous flower. This suggests that momordica is fully ripe. The seeds fall out of the fruit. There are quite a few of them, up to thirty pieces, they look like pomegranate seeds. The fruit itself is very juicy, has a pleasant taste and a light piquant bitterness.

Tip # 1. To avoid bitterness in the fruits, you need to have time to collect them no later than the tenth day after the ovary.

When the Momordika fruit is ripe, it will open and release the seeds into the wild.

Nutrition and Healing of Momordica

Everything from roots to fruits is nutritious and healing in Momordica. Fresh young shoots and leaves are used to make salad and vinaigrette, they are used to make delicious borscht and healing soups. The table below shows which chemical elements Momordica is rich in:

Name	Quantity in 100 g
Protein	0.84 g
Carbohydrates	4.32 g
Alimentary fiber	2
Beta carotene	68 mcg
Lutein	1323 μg
Folic acid	51 mg
Vitamin C	33 mg
Calcium	9 mg
Potassium	319 mg
Iron	0.38 mg
Magnesium	16 mg
Zinc	0.77 mg
Phosphorus	36 mg

With the help of this plant, you can cure cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, relieve headaches. Momordica is very useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, it will help to defeat various viruses and even a tumor, and increase immunity. The healing properties of Momordica can be listed for a very long time, there is no area where it would not be useful.

How to grow momordica seedlings

Momordica grows both in the greenhouse and in the open field, and even on the balcony or on the windowsill in the apartment. Growing an Indian cucumber will not be difficult, even a beginner in the gardening business can easily cope with this. Since momordica is a thermophilic plant, it is better to grow it through seedlings:

1. The second half of April is the time of sowing Momordica seedlings. Before planting, the seeds must be disinfected in a weak solution of manganese for 20-30 minutes.
2. For better germination, it is better to file the hard shell of the seeds slightly using a nail file and being careful not to damage the nucleolus. Read also the article: → "How to choose the right seeds."

   This is what Momordica seeds look like before planting.

3. Spread the seeds in a damp gauze folded in several layers, put a plate of gauze in a warm and bright place, remembering to keep the gauze wet.
4. After a couple of weeks, the seeds will take root. They should be seated in separate containers, for this, plastic cups, cut-off juice bags, and best of all peat pots (like all pumpkin pots, Momordica have sensitive roots, so it is better to plant it in the ground right in a peat cup) are suitable for this.
5. Seedling containers must be filled with the following composition: one half - garden soil, good humus, peat; the second half is sand.
6. Place the sprouted seed on the edge in a container, deepening it a couple of centimeters, sprinkle with soil and water. You can stretch the film over the containers for speedy germination. After the emergence of shoots, remove the film, put the containers with seedlings in a cooler and well-lit place.Read also the article: → "Timing of sowing seeds for seedlings."
7. Seedlings should be fed weekly (superphosphate and potassium sulfate - a weak solution). Fertilizers for indoor flowers are also suitable. Nitrogen fertilizing is not worth doing yet.
8. Disembarkation takes place in the third decade of May, when stable warm weather sets in. At this time, the momordica sprout should reach a height of a quarter of a meter. If the weather has not yet settled and there is a possibility of frost, then the seedlings are transplanted in large containers and placed in a greenhouse.

Momordica seedlings ready to be transplanted into the ground

Growing in a greenhouse or on a balcony

In principle, she can stay there for the entire summer season, a heat-loving plant will only be grateful for such care. Then you should take care of the trellis in order to neatly tie up the main stems of the vines, the lighter branches will catch the antennae on the support on their own. To grow momordica in a greenhouse, on a balcony or on a windowsill, you need to monitor the lateral processes and cut them off in time, otherwise a large thickening of the crown will occur, and the fruits will be very small.

By the way, in such conditions, there may be a problem with pollination, because there are practically no insects in the apartment that are necessary for pollination of flowers. Therefore, you need to help the plant, with the help of a brush or cotton swab, transfer pollen from a male flower to a female one.On open ground, this operation is not necessary, since the pollinating insects clearly know their job.

Tip # 2. To grow momordica on a windowsill, it is imperative to install a trellis along which it will curl.

Outdoor cultivation

There is nothing difficult in caring for momordika. The main thing is that the conditions of her residence are similar to the nature of her native places, that is, that it is warm (at least 20-22 ° C), light (lack of lighting entails problems with the ovary of fruits, and if they are set, they can suddenly fall), humid and without sudden temperature changes.

Despite the fact that momordica loves moisture, it does not tolerate stagnant water in the soil, since delicate roots can rot very quickly, so good drainage is so important when planting, and when growing, regular watering a little. The best place to plant Momordica is a fertilized loam with almost zero acidity. At the time of preparation for planting the vines, you need to dig or loosen the soil together with a solution of mullein or urea.

In order for the plant to develop well and correctly, the root collar should not be too deep when planting. Seedlings should be planted no closer than 0.8 m from each other. After planting, you need to water the planted seedlings abundantly, shade slightly for the first few days from bright sunlight.

Pruning, tying plants and watering

After transplanting into open ground, it is imperative to install strong trellises next to the plantings, unless the momordica is planted next to a fence or veranda along which it can curl. The growth of green mass in a plant occurs with great activity, too much thickening does not allow the fruits to form correctly and in a timely manner.

Tip # 3. To get a good harvest of tasty and healing fruits, timely pruning of all excess should be carried out.

The main stem at a height of up to 0.5 m from the root must be absolutely free of foliage and shoots. After the first ovaries have formed, you need to thin out the crown by pinching the main stem at a distance of 1.2-1.3 m from the ground. During this procedure, you need to use gloves so as not to get burns from stinging hairs.

Liana in your garden (Momordica)

When it's hot outside, momordica needs to be watered daily, but not with ice water from the tap, but heated in the sun, about a bucket for each plant. It is best to do this in the evening, and in the morning to loosen the soil. Often, the roots are exposed when a jet of water hits, and they can be damaged or dry out, which will negatively affect the general condition of the plant. This can be corrected by periodically adding fresh soil under the plant.

Momordika feeding rules

To feed Momordica, complex fertilizers with potassium, calcium and nitrogen are used.

1. First feeding. As soon as the momordica bloomed, it was time for feeding: ammophoska - a tablespoon, water - a ten-liter bucket. Dissolve and pour over.
2. Second feeding. After the end of flowering, when the first fruits appear: slurry - a glass, nitrophoska - two tablespoons. Dissolve everything in a ten-liter bucket of water and pour at the rate of half a bucket per square of soil.
3. Third feeding. Three weeks before final harvest. Any complex fertilizer. Read also the article: → "Foliar feeding of plants."

Momordica diseases and treatments

Since momordica belongs to the pumpkin family, they are not only similar in care and cultivation, but also have the same diseases. Just like cucumbers or pumpkins, momordica suffers from bacteriosis, powdery mildew, gray rot, and aphids. If the disease turns out to be neglected, you need to use copper oxychloride or other chemicals. A diseased plant can be "treated":

Method of "treatment"	How to treat	Dosage
Pollination	Wood ash	100-150 grams
Spraying	Colloidal sulfur	40 grams in 10 liters of water
Spraying	Mullein	Weak infusion

Answers to frequently asked questions about momordica

Question number 1. When are Momordika fruits considered edible?

At the maximum on the tenth day after the fruits have appeared, they must be plucked. During this period, they have not yet begun to taste bitter. The more often you collect the fruits, the more they appear. And if a lot of ripe fruits remain on the plant for a long time, then this leads to the weakening of the plant.

Question number 2. After which crops can Momordica be planted?

Momordica loves to grow on soil after potatoes, legumes, tomatoes.

Question number 3. Can Momordica be propagated by cuttings?

Yes, you can. So momordica is propagated more often when grown in an apartment. Step-by-step reproduction scheme by cuttings:

1. From the healthiest and strongest shoots, cut cuttings of 10-12 cm with three to four internodes. The cut from the bottom is made at an acute angle to the kidney, the cut from the top is straight.
2. Soak the cuttings for 24 hours in honey water (1 tsp in a glass of water).
3. Make a soil from peat and sifted river sand (1: 1 ratio), pour it into a container and moisten well.
4. Stick in the handle with the lower end, pull a bag over the container or put a bottle without a bottom. Monitor soil moisture and air temperature, it should not be lower than 22 ° C.
5. After the roots have appeared, plant the stalk in a permanent place, water and cover with a plastic bottle with a cut bottom until the leaves appear.
6. Cover the stalk with a bottomless bottle or jar to create a greenhouse effect.

Question number 4. Can Momordica be grown in winter?

Momordica in winter is grown only in an apartment, on a windowsill or on an insulated balcony. During this period, feeding and pruning is required.

Ripe Momordica fruits are edible

The most common mistakes gardeners make when growing Momordica

Although Momordica does not require close attention to itself, some basic rules in the cultivation of Momordica cannot be ignored, the violation of which leads to crop failure or the death of the plant.

Mistake # 1. Landing in cold ground

Some gardeners are in a hurry to plant Momordica in the ground. Since this is a thermophilic plant, especially since it has such delicate roots, it is necessary to plant momordica in the soil no earlier than the apple trees bloom, that is, the threat of frost will pass and the soil will warm up well. Otherwise, in cold soil, the roots will simply rot.

Mistake # 2. Lack of lighting and power

If momordica lacks sunlight or nutrients in the soil, the fruit will be very small. Care should be taken to ensure that momordica grows in a well-lit place and feed her in a timely manner.

Mistake number 3. Excess soil moisture

Momordica does not tolerate stagnant water in the soil; it immediately reacts by rotting the roots. There should be good drainage at the planting site, and watering should be moderate, as needed. On hot days, you should water more, as it does not treat well the drying out of the soil.

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