Bring home a piece of authentic Indian gardening tradition with our Heirloom Bitter Gourd / Bitter Melon Seeds (Indian Variety). Also known as Karela in Hindi and Pavakkai in Tamil, this variety has been cherished in Indian home gardens for generations.
The plants are vigorous climbers with dense green foliage and trailing vines that thrive when trained on a trellis or fence. Fruits are medium-sized, elongated, and ridged, showcasing the classic deep green color associated with traditional Indian bitter gourd. Each plant is highly productive, yielding multiple fruits over a long growing season.
This heirloom strain is open-pollinated, non-GMO, and organically grown in the USA, making it a perfect choice for gardeners who value authenticity, quality, and seed purity.
Growth & Cultivation
- Plant Habit: Vigorous climbing vine; benefits from trellising for higher yields.
- Fruit Shape & Size: Elongated, heavily ridged fruits with deep green skin.
- Season: Warm-season annual, thrives in full sun.
- Maturity: Fruits typically ready for harvest within 60–70 days from sowing.
- Garden Use: Ideal for trellises, arbors, and raised beds.
Culinary Heritage
In Indian cuisine, bitter gourd is a staple ingredient, valued for its bold, distinctive flavor. The fruits are used in:
- Traditional curries and stir-fries.
- Stuffed preparations with spices and herbs.
- Fried chips and fritters as a side dish.
- Pickling recipes for long-lasting use.
Its unique taste pairs beautifully with strong spices, making it a beloved vegetable in Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian kitchens. Buy Indian Karela online from our store.
International / Common Names
- Hindi: करेला (Karela)
- Tamil: பாகற்காய் / பாவக்காய் (Pavakkai / Pagarkkai)
- Telugu: కాకరకాయ (Kakarakaya)
- Kannada: ಹಾಗಲಕಾಯಿ (Hagalakayi)
- Malayalam: പാവയ്ക്ക (Pavaykka)
- Bengali: উচ্ছে (Ucche)
- Gujarati: કારેલા (Karela)
- Marathi: कारले (Karale)
- Spanish: Melón Amargo / Calabaza Amarga
- French: Courge Amère
- German: Bittermelone
- Italian: Melone Amaro
- Portuguese: Melão Amargo
- Chinese (Mandarin): 苦瓜 (Kǔguā)
- Japanese: ゴーヤ (Gōya)
What You Get
- Fresh Heirloom Bitter Gourd / Bitter Melon Seeds – Indian Variety
- 100% Organically Grown in the USA
- Non-GMO & Open-Pollinated
- Hand-packed by our small family-owned business
Why Gardeners Love It
- Authentic Indian heirloom – preserved for generations.
- Prolific producer – climbing vines with abundant yields.
- Distinct culinary tradition – a staple in Indian and Asian kitchens.
- Strong trellis grower – adds vertical greenery to any garden.
- Open-pollinated & non-GMO – trusted for purity and reliability.