![]() 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. At that point the seed pods should be soft and two to three inches long. 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. Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for garden pests at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.Gardeners in the southern United States usually reserve a spot to grow okra, because it's a staple in southern cooking.Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!.New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!.Flax and cosmos look particularly adorable around okra. Okra plants look beautiful with other tall flowers growing in between them.Do not overhead water as this promotes foliar diseases.Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much.Mulch heavily on the top layer of soil in the pot to keep the soil from drying out or heating up too much. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. Make sure your container is at least 20″ deep. Okra is a tall, skinny plant that can grow in a container.Do not let pods stay on the plant unless you are letting them go to seed as this will slow down the production of new pods.The more you harvest, the more productive your plant will be. Depending on the variety, harvest when the pods are 3-4″ long. Okra is best harvested before it gets fibrous.Mulching heavily around your plants will also help with weed suppression and moisture retention.In Zones 9 and 10, adding a generous amount of compost will help create a healthy soil structure and keep soil moisture in. Okra should be planted into deeply irrigated, semi-fertile soil.Plants should be spaced at least 6″ apart. Plant out into the garden when they reach 3-4″ tall. Once your plants have germinated and the first set of true leaves show, fertilize with an organic liquid fertilizer. ![]() Place seeds on the top of the soil and cover with 11/2″ of finely sifted soil.
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