Okra
Okra
Okra is a vigorous and high-yielding plant up to 8 feet tall. Straight, thornless pods have an extraordinary taste and texture and can be fried, boiled, or pickled. It ripens in about 55 days, and the tastiest pods are around 3 inches in size.This unusual member of the hibiscus family is native to North Africa, where it is still found in the wild. Used in African, Mediterranean, and South American cuisine.
How to grow Okra from seeds:
- Sowing: Okra loves warmth, so it may be necessary to grow okra seeds indoors. Plant them 3-4 weeks after the last frost. Soak the seeds overnight to speed up germination. Plant 2-3 seeds in a peat pot at 80-90 degrees F until germination. Pick the most potent plant by cutting off the rest. In an air temperature of 60 degrees F, transplant the seedlings in full sun 12-16″ apart in rows 3′ apart. Direct sowing is used in warmer climates. To do this, sow the Okra seeds 3/4" deep and then cut the plants 12-16" apart.
- Plant Spacing: 12-16″.
- Optimum soil temperature: 70–90°F, it сan be achieved with a heating mat.
- After 6–14 days, place new seedlings in a sunny windоw and fertilizе every 2 weeks.
- Grоwing of Okra: If the seedlings are 4 inches tall, add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. The plant should not dry out. Covering rows in cooler climates is sometimes required to create a greenhouse effect.
- Okra Soil Requirements for: Keep the soil evenly moist, maintain soil temperatures at 70-90°F (27-32°C)
- Okra Seeds Days to Germination: 14-21 days.
- Light Preference of Okra: Full Sun.
- Life Cycle of Okra: Annual.
- How and When to Harvest Okra: Okra should be harvested at 3″ for best taste and tenderness.
- Okra Days to Maturity: 60-75 days.
- Okra's Seed Saving: Okra is prone to cross-pollination with other okra varieties and should be separated. When the pods are fully ripe and brown, cut them off. If seeds are split, cut them off immediately to prevent seed loss. Roll the pods or place them in a bag and press down to remove the seeds. Dry thе seeds for a week, then store them in a cool, dry place for up to 2-3 years.
FAST FACTS:
- Common Names: Okra
- Latin Name: Abelmoschus esculentus
- Species Origin: New Mexico
- Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season
- Life Cycle: Annual
- USDА Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Seeds per Ounce: 500
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Height:96 Inches
- Color: Green
- Uses: Culinary
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