Well drained, sandy loam or loamy soils are considered best. It is important that soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. The best soil pH is 6 to 7.

Bitter gourd can be grown in both tropical and sub-tropical climate. Bitter gourd is essentially a warm season crop and cannot tolerant lower temperature below 10o C. Around 25-30oC temperature is optimum for bottle gourd cultivation.

Bitter gourds can be used as fresh vegetables, canned and picked and stored as dried vegetables. It occupies first rank among the cucurbits in respect of iron and vitamin C. Fruit is wormicidal and cure stomach disorders and has beneficial effect on the persons suffering from diabetes, arthritis, rheumatism and asthmatic complaints.

The crop is grown in both the summer and rainy season. In north Indian plains, crop is sown in February-March and June-July. In hills, crop is sown in April-May. Crop is propagated through seeds. The recommended seed rate is 4-5 kg/ha. Sowing is done in pits. Two seeds per pits are generally sown. Spacing is maintained 1.5 m from row to row 60 cm from plant to plant.

Bitter gourd responds well to manuring and fertilizers. The dose of fertilizers depends upon the soil type and climate. About 20 q/ha of FYM should be mixed with soil or applied to the pit at least 15 to 20 days before sowing. Besides that about 100 kg N, 60 kg P and 60 kg K/ha should be applied. Half of nitrogen, entire P and K is applied in the pits at the time of sowing as basal dose. Remaining quantity of nitrogen is applied at 30 days after sowing as top dressing.

Field should be kept weed free entire growth period. Weeding and hoeing are important cultural practices which affect crop growth and fruit development. Three weeding are necessary to keep the crop weed free. First weeding may be given 15 - 20 days after sowing. Two more weedings are given at 20-30 day interval. Mulching in bitter gourd not only improve water retention and ground temperature in the soil but also improve soil organic matter content. Bitter gourd should be trained in bower system. The crop is trained when the plants are about 20-30 cm. Plants are supported by stakes so that they grow straight to the bower and spread the branch. The height of bower should be about 2.5 m.

Crop is ready for harvest in about 70 - 80 days after sowing depending upon the variety and season.