Momordica

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Momordica (Latin Momordica) - a genus of annual or perennial climbing plants of the Pumpkin family (Cucurbitaceae). The genus includes about 20 species. Natural range - tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australia, some wild species are found in North America. Nowadays, only two species are cultivated in culture - Momordika Kokhinhinskaya and Momordika charantia. Cultivate momordica in the garden, on the balcony and indoors. The scope is extensive.

Characteristics of culture

Momordica is a herbaceous plant with a height of 2 m or more. Leaves are green, five or seven lobed. The flowers are unisexual, yellow in color, very fragrant, equipped with a five-toothed joint-petal corolla. The scent of Momordica is similar to the scent of gardenia, differs in intensity. The fruits are elongated-rounded or oval berries, covered with tubercles over the entire surface, although today varieties have been bred that produce fruits with a smooth surface. Unripe fruits are dark green, ripe - orange-yellow, white or yellow.

As the seeds ripen, the fruits burst into three pieces, revealing bright orange insides. The seeds are large, red, of an unusual shape, with a rim along the edge and a tuberous surface. One fruit usually contains about 15-20 seeds. The taste of the fruits of momordica practically does not differ from the pumpkin, however, the tubercles or papillae protruding on their surface are slightly bitter, for this reason the general taste sensations acquire a bitter tint. But this characteristic does not affect the taste of delicacies that are prepared from momordica.

Growing conditions

In general, Momordica's agricultural technology has a lot in common with the technology of growing cucumbers, pumpkins and zucchini. The culture is demanding on soil fertility, needs a large amount of organic and mineral substances. It does not accept acidic soils, such areas must be limed beforehand. Momordica is grown mainly on vertical trellises, the lower crossbars of which are located 70 cm above the soil surface.

The plant appreciates well-lit areas; in the shade, shedding of ovaries and shrinking of fruits are possible. Negatively Momordica refers to thickening. Legumes, potatoes and tomatoes are good precursors. It is unacceptable to plant a plant after representatives of the Pumpkin family. When growing crops in greenhouses or greenhouses, manual pollination is required.

Soil preparation and sowing

The plot for momordica is prepared in advance: the soil is dug up, organic matter is introduced (up to 10 kg per 1 sq. M.) And mineral fertilizers (ammonium nitrate - 20 g per 1 sq. M., Superphosphate - 35 g per 1 sq. M., Chloride potassium - 20 g per 1 sq. m.). Momordica seeds do not need pre-sowing preparation, although soaking them in a weak solution of potassium permanganate is not forbidden. Momordica is sown in special peat-humus pots with an edge to a depth of 1-1.5 cm. Immediately after sowing, watering is carried out using warm, settled water. The next watering is carried out in 3-4 days. If we talk about the timing of sowing, it is advisable to give preference to the first decade of April.

Some gardeners and gardeners advise germinating seeds before sowing. In this case, the end of the seed is ground with sandpaper and wrapped in wet gauze and placed in wet sawdust. As soon as the seeds hatch, they are sown in the ground. Shoots of Momordica appear in two weeks. Seedlings should be protected from temperature extremes and drafts. Over time, the seedlings dive into larger pots and feed them. Momordica seedlings are transplanted into open ground at the end of May. Seedlings are planted together with an earthen clod, since the culture has a negative attitude to bare roots, which is associated with an underdeveloped root system. For the first time, the planting is shaded, and at night they are covered with a film.

Care

Caring for momordica mainly consists of regular and moderate watering. The soil in the near-stem zone should be constantly moist, but not waterlogged. Special attention should be paid to plants during fruiting, including watering. The culture responds positively to feeding, it is very important to systematically apply organic matter and mineral fertilizers, at least 3-4 times per season. Liquid mullein can be fed every 10-12 days.