ભીંડા

• Bhindi grows easily in pots in full sunlight.
• Prepare a sandy, manure-rich soil (2 parts sand, 2 parts manure, 1 part soil) in a pot at least 12 inches deep, and water well.
• Sow seeds 2 feet apart, half an inch below the soil surface.
• Keep soil moist, sprouting happens in about a week.
• Keep soil moist during the growing stage.
• After 3 weeks, water only when the soil is dry.
• Bhindi is a sturdy plant and normally doesn't need support.
• Sprinkle 2-3 handfuls of manure on the soil every 4 weeks.
• The plant produces pretty, light-yellow flowers containing both male and female parts, and they self-pollinate.
• Fruit starts forming within about 2 months.
• Harvest the pods while they're still soft.
• You can plant more bhindi once the rains start, and again 45 days later, this way, a home garden can keep supplying bhindi right through to January.
• A family typically needs to grow about 12-15 plants at a time for regular consumption.

• Tender pods are cooked into curries, stir-fries, stews, bhindi dishes, and pickles.

These uses are documented for information only and are not medical advice. Always verify the species and the plant part before use.

• agritech.tnau.ac.in
• powo.science.kew.org