Latin name: Abelmoschus esculentus

Main Uses: Culinary
Days to Maturity: 80 days to maturity
Exposure: Full sun
Height: 90 - 120 cm (3-4 ft.)
Flower Color: Pale yellow with a maroon centre
Flowering Time: Summer
Certified Organic: USDA Certified Organic

Germination: 7 - 10 days at 25º C (use a heat mat to keep soil warm-enough for successful germination).
Seed Depth: 1/4”.
Indoors: Start seeds 4 - 5 weeks before transplanting out. Sow 3 seeds per pot and thin to the strongest one. Sow seeds in deep containers, such as milk cartons. When planting, cut the milk cartons open so as to not disturb the roots.
Planting Out: Once the soil has warmed considerably - about mid-June.
Plant Spacing: 18 - 24”.
Row Spacing: 3’.

Growing in Containers: Well-suited to larger pots (12 inches and up).

Fertilizing (Containers): Plant in a quality, organic-based potting mix with good drainage. Fertilize regularly with organic plant food.

Watering (Containers): Water containers deeply when the top inch feels dry to the touch. Monitor every day or two during very hot weather.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Not well-suited for mixed planters.

Fertilizing (Garden): Okra does well in average soil amended with quality compost such as Sea Soil. No further fertilizing is required.

Watering (Garden): Water to establish (first two weeks). Once established, water weekly to maximize productivity.

Harvesting: Harvest pods daily once they are about the size of a finger and easy to cut from the stalk. Plants will continue to produce heavily as long as they are regularly picked. Prickly pods can cause skin irritation; wear gloves or plant a spineless variety. Do not allow pods to over-ripen on the stalk, they will become tough and the plant will stop producing.

Special Requirements for Cold Climate Gardeners: Okra is generally drought-tolerant but will be much more productive if evenly-watered. 

Suitability for Indoors: Not suited for indoors.