Tendli is a perennial vine that belongs to the cucumber family. Native to tropical Asia, it flourishes in warm, humid climates and is well-suited to Indian conditions. The plant is known for its ability to climb, producing small, oblong fruits with a smooth green exterior marked by pale stripes.
Tendli, also known as ivy gourd or kundru, is a popular vegetable in Indian cuisine, especially in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and South India. It is used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to curries and even pickles, adding a mild, slightly tangy flavour. It is often paired with spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric to enhance its taste.
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Health-wise, tendli is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is low in calories and high in dietary fibre, making it an excellent choice for weight management. Packed with vitamins like A, C, and B, it supports immunity and skin health. The high antioxidant content of tendli helps combat free radicals, promoting overall health. Additionally, it is known for its anti-diabetic properties, helping regulate blood sugar levels. The vegetable is also rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium, contributing to bone and heart health.
Homegrown tendli is fresher and more nutritious than store-bought options. Once established, tendli plants produce fruits for several years, reducing the need to buy vegetables frequently. Growing your own vegetables reduces reliance on commercially grown produce, lowering your carbon footprint.
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Tendli is a resilient, low-maintenance plant that thrives in tropical climates. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, organic ivy gourd right from your garden or balcony. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, cultivating tendli is a rewarding way to connect with nature and enhance your meals with homegrown goodness.
Tendli requires a sunny location to grow well. Choose a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Since it’s a climbing vine, provide a sturdy trellis or support system for the plant to spread out and grow vertically. This not only saves space but also ensures better airflow and sunlight penetration, which are essential for healthy fruit production.
Planting Tendli
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Tendli is typically propagated through cuttings rather than seeds, as this method ensures faster growth and better yields. Choose healthy, mature vines from an existing tendli plant. Ensure the cuttings are 6–8 inches long and have at least 3–4 nodes, as these are the points where roots and shoots will develop.
If you lack garden space, you can grow tendli in large containers on your balcony or terrace. Choose a pot at least 18–20 inches deep with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Use a mix of garden soil, compost, and sand in a 1:1:1 ratio for optimal growth. Install a trellis or bamboo stakes in the pot to allow the vine to climb. Tendli grows well alongside other vegetables like beans, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Avoid planting it near crops prone to the same pests, such as squash or melons.
Tendli thrives in well-draining, fertile soil. Enrich the soil with organic compost or well-rotted manure to ensure a good supply of nutrients. Loosen the soil to improve aeration and water absorption. Insert the cuttings into the prepared soil, burying at least two nodes underground. Space the cuttings about 2–3 feet apart to allow for proper growth. Water lightly to settle the soil around the cuttings.
Caring for Tendli Plants
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Tendli requires moderate watering. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant 2–3 times a week, depending on weather conditions. Reduce watering during the monsoon season to prevent root rot.
Feed the plant every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or a mixture of compost and organic liquid fertilizers like diluted cow dung or vermicompost tea. Avoid over-fertilising, as excessive nitrogen can lead to more foliage and fewer fruits. Regularly prune the tendli vine to remove dead or overcrowded branches. Pruning encourages new growth and better fruit production.
Keep the area around the plant free from weeds, as they compete for nutrients and can harbor pests. Tendli is a hardy plant but can occasionally be affected by pests and diseases. Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can attack tendli. Use organic neem oil spray or soap water to control these pests effectively.
Tendli may be susceptible to fungal infections like powdery mildew or bacterial wilt. Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly and avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal growth.
Harvesting Tendli
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Tendli vines begin producing fruits within 4–6 months of planting. The fruits are ready to harvest when they are young, tender, and about 2–3 inches long. Use scissors or a knife to cut the fruit off the vine to avoid damaging the plant. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous fruiting. A healthy tendli plant can produce fruits for several years, especially if pruned and cared for properly.