While old seed pods cannot be eaten, they are perfect for dried flower arrangements. More plants may be needed, though, to can or freeze okra for use during the winter. Use within a few days before the pods' ridges and tips start to turn dark.īecause of the long growing season and hearty production, four or five plants usually produce enough okra for most families. Refrigerate dry okra in perforated plastic bags. The spineless varieties have fewer spines on the pods themselves, but spines on other parts of the plant make wearing gloves and long sleeves a good idea. For maximum yield, prune older limbs beneath the already harvested pods.Īll okra varieties have spines, so wear gloves when picking the pods. Remove old seed pods so they do not inhibit new pods from developing. Pick the pods at least every other day, as they quickly turn from tender to tough the bigger they grow. 15C (60F) and transplant, when large enough to handle, 5cm (2) apart in. At that point the seed pods should be soft and two to three inches long. Maintain moisture (Germination 10-21 days). Start harvesting a few days after the okra blooms fade. It grows and bears seed pods until frost, which quickly turns them black and kills them. The plants can produce for ten to 12 weeks. Watch regularly for infestations and treat appropriately. It is not unusual for okra to attract various beetles and worms. Okra is susceptible to wilt, root knot nematode and Southern stem blight. During extended dry spells, a weekly deep soaking is beneficial.Ĭrop rotation and good soil management help control diseases. Regular watering is needed and is particularly critical during flowering and pod development. Once the plants start to grow, thin them so they are spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. Okra will grow in many soil types, so mulch and fertilize as needed. The seeds generally germinate in two to 12 days. Sow the seeds one inch deep in rows that are three feet apart. Choose a garden spot where its shade will not harm other sun loving plants. Okra can grow from three to six feet tall. If buying okra plants, purchase those that are started in containers such as peat pots that can go into the ground. Gardeners in cool regions may want to start okra seeds indoors in peat pots four to six weeks before the area's final frost date. To prevent the seeds from rotting, the soil should have warmed to at least 65 degrees. Plant okra in the spring or early summer once the threat of frost has passed. Soaking aids moisture absorption and germination. ![]() Prior to planting, soak the okra seeds in water for 12 to 18 hours to soften its hard seed coat. Native to Africa, it is easy to grow this unique vegetable. The annual, warm weather vegetable is related to hibiscus, hollyhock and rose of Sharon. When cooked, okra's liquid commonly is gumbo's thickening agent. Similar in taste to eggplant, okra is used in shellfish, corn, onion and tomato dishes. Northerners have come to know and enjoy its subtle taste, too. Can be eaten red or green! When growing new varieties of okra, we encourage harvesting at all different stages until you get a sense of the best size for eating.Gardeners in the southern United States usually reserve a spot to grow okra, because it's a staple in southern cooking. You can harvest it up to 5-6", but may find them a bit woody. ![]() ![]() We harvest and eat this okra when the pods are 2-3" long and still tender. Okra likes fertile, well-drained soil with added compost. Beds should be at least 3' apart as plants tend to bush out widely. Soak seeds overnight for quicker germination, and plant 3/4" deep. Sow seeds of this heat-loving plant indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting, which should happen several weeks after the last frost, or when soil temperatures stay above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination rate: 40% on ( below standard) Planting / harvesting notes This is his favorite variety hands-down, but cannot commit to growing only one type, so I isolated this crop to produce true seed. My partner Chris (another Truelove Seeds farmer based at the Sankofa Farm at Bartram's Garden) is from Mississippi and is an okra fanatic. Certainly, this crop is a taste of home for people of the African Diaspora. Many believe enslaved Africans hid okra seeds in their hair on the forced journey across the Atlantic. Okra is probably from West Africa, though some claim Ethiopia as the origin. This area has a large German population and influence, which meant they opposed secession from the Union during the Civil War, and also meant introducing the accordion to Tejano music. In my field, they grew to above average heights of 8-feet tall on thick, deep-red stems, and produced for months! Hill Country Red Okra is said to have originated in the eastern portion of the mostly limestone Edwards Plateau in west-central Texas-also known as Texas Hill Country. These plump, red and green pods have a rich, delicious okra flavor.
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