Growing Okra

Growing Okra and Maintaining Okra Plants. Okra (Hibiscus esculentus) is a tall, upright plant with a hibiscus-like flowers. The immature, young seed pods are the most used edible part of this plant, but the leaves are also edible. This is a popular vegetable which originated from the hot climates of Africa. Okra adds body and flavor to soups, stews, and relishes, and can be grilled, braised, steamed, and sautéed.

Okra Types

• Clemson Spineless
• Burgundy
• Jing Orange Okra
• Cow Horn

Growing Okra from Seed

• Soak Okra seeds in warm water overnight to speed germination.
• Direct sow okra seeds in full sun after danger of frost has passed.
• Plant the seeds 2 to 5 cm deep.
• Recommended row spacing is 71 to 96 cm.
• Cover with 1 inch of fine soil.
• Seedlings should emerge in 14-21 days.
• Thin the seedlings to a spacing of 20 to 30 cm between plants.

Maintaining Okra Plants

• For good yields, okra must grow in full sunlight in fertile, well-drained soil.
• Mulch to keep out weeds and conserve moisture.
• Water during dry spells and side-dress with compost every three to four weeks.
• In areas with long, hot summers, cut the plants back almost to ground level in midsummer and fertilize to produce a second crop.
• Okra will do well under dry conditions, but produces more pods with adequate watering. Water often enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out, but avoid over watering , as this could cause root rot.
• After the first harvest, add fertilizer to the soil.

Harvesting Okra

• Okra plants will produce flowers about 60 days after planting. The okra pods will be ready to pick 3 to 4 days later.
• The younger the pod, the more tender it will be. Harvest the pods when they are 3 to 4 inches long. If the okra gets too large, it will be tough and stringy.
• Pick the okra every 1 to 2 days or yields will decrease. The more you pick okra pods, the more they produce new blossoms.
• When picking okra, you’ll need a sharp knife of pair of shears.
• Okra can be stored for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. It can also be pickled, canned or dried for later use.