16/11/2025
# # Basic Growing Requirements
**Climate & Season:**
- Thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates
- Requires temperatures between 75-95°F (24-35°C)
- Grows best in summer months with plenty of sunlight
**Soil:**
- Well-drained, fertile soil with pH 6.0-6.7
- Rich in organic matter - add compost or well-rotted manure before planting
**Planting:**
- Sow seeds directly or start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Provide trellises or support structures since it's a climbing vine
- Seeds germinate in 8-15 days
**Care:**
- Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Prune lateral shoots to encourage upward growth
**Harvesting:**
- Ready to harvest 12-16 weeks after planting
- Pick fruits when green and firm, before they turn yellow/orange
- Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season
- Young, tender fruits are less bitter
**Common Pests:** Aphids, fruit flies, and powdery mildew
Ishu Farm
