What kind of plant is a Momordica?

The unusual, somewhat exotic name of the plant "momordika" gives an abyss of ideas for imagination. In addition, nature is very diverse and does not cease to amaze. So, let's figure out what mommordika is and how it is eaten .

What kind of plant is a Momordica?

This representative of the flora is an annual climbing plant that belongs to the family of pumpkin. In our region, an unusual liana came from Southeast Asia, the expanses of India, why we got accustomed to the name Indian Momordica cucumber, or Indian garnet. And this is understandable - bright orange oval-elongated fruits up to 10-15 cm in length appear on curly stems with unusual carved foliage of yellow flowers. The surface of the fruit is covered with hairs, pimples and tubercles.

Inside the fruit among the tender pulp with an unusual taste of cucumber, pumpkin and mango are simultaneously placed red, like pomegranate, seeds with even bones. To enjoy this exotic fruit of momordica is not difficult. By the way, most of all it is suitable for fresh consumption in an immature state, when there is still a bitter taste of bitterness. Fruit cut in half, and then take out with a spoon a pulp of yellow color and tidy. Do not forget to try the red pericarp. By the way, they use momordica for making jam and baking.

Momordica - how to grow?

If the magnificent vine you want to see on your own site, then no particular difficulties should arise. They take care of the plant like a pumpkin or zucchini.

At the end of March, the seeds are stratified before planting: they are soaked for two to three hours in a solution of potassium permanganate, and then placed in a warm place in the wet sawdust. When the seeds come through, they are put in pots on The depth is up to 2 cm. Planting is watered and sprinkled with sand. To accelerate the emergence of emergence pots set near the batteries and cover with jars. Banks clean, as soon as the first shoots appear.

In the future, care for the momordica involves timely watering and fertilizing with mineral fertilizers. Transplanting plants from tropical regions into the open ground can be carried out when the air is warmed up to + 25 ° C in the daytime. Usually this is the end of May, the beginning of June. The seedlings are planted on loamy soil at a distance of one meter from each other. The site should be semi-shaded, since a bright sun is dangerous for young plants. When the first 8-10 internodes grow in Momordica, pinch the top.