Okra may be a heat-loving annual plant that needs 55 to 65 frost-free days with temperatures consistently above 85°F (29°C) for full growth, flowering, and pod development. Sow okra seed within the garden 4 weeks after the typical last frost date in spring.
Description. Okra may be a tender, heat-loving annual that grows 4 to 7 feet (1.2-2.1m) tall and produces a green and sometimes red seedpod which is harvested when 3 to five inches (7-12cm) long and sometimes longer. Okra has prickly stems and enormous maple-like leaves and enormous , yellow, hibiscus-like flowers with red or purplish centers. Mature the pods contain buckshot-like seeds.
Yield. Grow 6 okra plants for every household member.Okra seedlings in garden
Okra seedlings: Okra may be a heat-loving annual plant that needs 55 to 65 frost-free days with temperatures consistently above 85°F (29°C), Here are okra growing tips.
PLANTING OKRA
Site. Plant okra fully sun. Okra grows best in loose, well-drained soil. Okra prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Add aged compost to planting beds beforehand of planting and gypsum to soil that’s slow draining.
Planting time. Okra may be a heat-loving annual plant that needs 55 to 65 frost-free days with temperatures consistently above 85°F (29°C for full growth, flowering, and pod development. Sow okra seed within the garden 4 weeks after the typical last frost date in spring. The planting soil temperature should be a minimum of 65°F (18°C). Yields will decrease when the air temperatures fall below 70°F (21°C).
More tips at Okra Seed Starting Tips.
Planting and spacing. Sow okra seeds ½ to 1 inch (2.5cm) deep set 6 inches (15cm) apart. Space rows 24 to 36 inches (61-91cm) apart. Thin successful seedlings from 12 to 18 inches (30-45cm) apart.
Companion plants. Basil, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, peppers, and southern peas.
Container growing. Okra doesn’t grow well in containers. Choose spacing-saving varieties for container growing.Okra growing in garden
Established okra plants are often kept on the dry side; stems rot easily in wet or cold conditions.
CARING FOR OKRA
Water and feeding. Keep okra evenly moist until established. Established plants are often kept on the dry side; stems rot easily in wet or cold conditions. Add aged compost to planting beds beforehand of planting and again at midseason. Add gypsum if the soil is slow draining.
Care. Pods contain a sticky sap that will be difficult to get rid of from clothing or tools. Prickles on pods can cause an allergy.
Pests. Flea beetles and aphids may attack okra. Pinch out aphid-infested vegetation or knock flea beetles and aphids off plants with a robust stream of water.
Diseases. Okra is vulnerable to verticillium and wilt which can cause plants to suddenly wilt, dry up, and die, usually in midsummer even as plants begin to supply .
Keep the garden clean and freed from debris. Remove and eliminate infected plants. Rotate crops to stop the buildup of soil-borne diseases.
Okra is best used fresh or as pickles. Pods will confine the refrigerator for 7 days.
HARVESTING AND STORING OKRA
Harvest. Pick pods once they are 2 to 4 inches (5-10cm) long; they’re going to be less gluey. Harvest pods a minimum of every other day once flower petals fall and pods set; if pods ripen the plant will stop producing. Okra is prepared for harvest 50 to 65 days after planting. Wear gloves when harvesting okra to stop potential skin irritation from prickles on pods. Okra will produce for a year if old pods don’t remain on the plant or the plant isn’t killed by frost.
More tips at the way to Harvest and Store Okra.
Okra will stop producing if not picked continuously; if seeds are allowed to mature the plant will slow or stop its production of pods. Pods must be picked before seeds mature.
Storing and preserving. Okra is best used fresh or as pickles. Pods will confine the refrigerator for 7 days.
OKRA VARIETIES TO GROW
- Green okra: ‘Annie Oakley’ (57 days); ‘Clemson Spineless’ (55 days); ‘Gold Coast’ (75 days); ‘Jade’ (55 days); ‘Perkins Long Pod’ (60 days).
- Space savers: ‘Dwarf Green Long Pod’ (50 days); ‘Emerald’ (56 days); ‘Perkins Dwarf Spineless’ (53 days).
- Other colors: ‘Blondy’ (50 days); ‘Burgundy’ (60 days); ‘Red Okra’ (60 days); ‘Star of David’ (61 days).