Momordica
This amazing orange cucumber was brought to us from India. Its pleasant-tasting pulp has a somewhat bitter taste, somewhat similar to persimmon. Inside this cucumber has seeds similar to watermelon, but covered with a shell.
Momordica, we grow it in the apartment and on the plot
Growing this original plant is not at all difficult; you can do it in an apartment on a windowsill or on a balcony; it feels great in the garden, in open ground.
Careful preparation will be required for planting:
- First, select the seeds; the darker ones are ripe; the seedlings will produce stronger ones;
- seeds are disinfected in a solution of potassium permanganate;
- sprouted in a napkin or sawdust soaked in honey solution in a warm place;
- To speed up the process, the seed can be scratched with a file.
You can expect sprouts to appear in 2 weeks. Next, the plants are transplanted into cups filled with turf-humus mixture.
The seeds are placed in the ground on an edge, covered with sand; it is advisable to organize microgreenhouses made of film or cut bottles for sowing.
While waiting for the seedlings to emerge, you will need to moisten the soil in the pots.
Growing momordica
During the period of seedling growth, fertilizing will be required, mainly potassium and phosphorus. As they grow, you will need to harden the seedlings; you can take them out onto the balcony, or place them in an open window.
With the onset of stable warmth, around the beginning of June, plants can be planted in the ground; the site should be chosen protected from the north wind and well lit by the sun. Considering the activity of bush growth, the distance between them should be at least 1 m.
When growing on a balcony, keep in mind: in good conditions with proper care, the bush will produce shoots of about 3-4 m, i.e. one bush can cover the entire balcony, two plants can be cramped. It is most convenient to immediately install trellises along which the branches will weave.
Momordica balsamic - secrets of care
Planting areas should not be swampy. Since momordica belongs to the pumpkin family, it requires approximately the same care.
Soils are recommended with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. The best predecessors are cabbage with potatoes or tomatoes.
When preparing the site, it is recommended to add fresh manure and humus, superphosphate and ammonium nitrate. If necessary, lime the soil and add sand.
In hot weather, the plant needs abundant watering; complex mineral fertilizers or a mixture of bird droppings and manure can be used for fertilizer.
If you want to get a good harvest It is recommended to pinch the first internodes and prevent the bush from growing too much.
It should be borne in mind that a young plant can cause burns when touched, much like nettles, so care should be taken.
When growing momordica indoors, you will need to think about artificial pollination.
Medicinal properties of momordica
The fruits should be picked before they open and become bitter. You can harvest small momordica fruits for the winter; use the same recipes as for pickling cucumbers.
Among the many healing properties of orange cucumber note:
- the ability to strengthen the immune system;
- fight germs and viruses;
- heal wounds and cure infectious diseases;
- treat liver cancer and hepatitis;
- improve vision with systematic use.
