![]() When you plant okra seeds, plant three seeds per pot or area. To make them germinate faster, soak the seeds in a glass of water overnight. Okra seeds take a little longer than other seeds to germinate because of their hard shell. If you plant directly into the ground, after the last frost, you will still want to be sure the ground is a minimum of 65 degrees F at 4″ deep. If you plant when there is still frost and freezing temperatures, start in small pots to transplant after the last frost. This may depend what month you plant the seeds. You can plant okra seeds in small pots to transfer later, or you can plant the seeds directly into the ground or container you want to ultimately have them growing in. Choose a complete fertilizer, organic if you can. Okra uses a lot of energy to produce pods, and extra nitrogen can boost their production. It may be helpful to add nitrogen to the soil during the mid-to-late season. As the plants mature, add organic fertilizer with nitrogen to help the plant continue to producing pods. Create a fertile bed with free-draining soil with lots of organic matter including compost. A pH reading of 5 – 6.5 is ideal for okra. Okra needs slightly acidic to neutral soil. You don’t want okra to become waterlogged or you will have problems with root rot. The soil needs to be able to dry out a bit and not be constantly wet. That said, okra grows best in loam-based compost. However, too much clay can become waterlogged or alternatively dry out. Clay adds density and will help retain moisture and hold more water than sandy soil. It’s okay to have a bit of clay and native soil mixed in. Okra will tolerate poor soil as long as the soil is well-draining. Therefore, it’s something to try in areas of your garden where you haven’t been able to grow anything. It even grows well where the soil is poor. Okra is hardy and does well in many types of soil. okra plant growing pods What kind of soil does okra like? If you live in a warm or hot climate, you can grow it. In zones 9, 10, and 11, watch for early consistent temperatures over 100 degrees which can stunt growth if they aren’t watered enough.Įxperts say if you can grow tomatoes in your garden, you can grow okra. It does especially well in the south in growing zone 7 and zone 8. ![]() You can grow okra in zone 5 but will need to take greater care with the plants. Okra grows the best in hardiness zones 6 – 11. To do this, get a simple soil thermometer. To ensure a successful crop, grow okra when the soil is a minimum of 65 degrees when you test the soil to 4″ deep. The most important thing is to plant okra when it’s at least 65 degrees F. Okra seeds won’t germinate if it’s too cold the seeds will rot in the ground. Temperature is the key to a successful okra harvest. It’s not like lettuce, kale, cabbage, etc. It’s important to plant okra at the right time. Okra grows fast in temperatures that range from 75 – 90 degrees. It’s important to know that okra is a warm weather crop. If you live in a warmer climate, you will enjoy okra for a long growing season. With these conditions, you will be able to grow okra. The most important things are that it gets enough sun, it’s roots don’t remain wet, and that 75 degrees or warmer. One reason okra is easy to grow is that it tolerates different types of soil and climates. It’s scienfic name is Abelmoschus esculentus. Some of them are gumbo, okro, ochro, lady’s fingers, kopi arab, and bhindi. You’ll want to be out every other day to harvest them.Ĭalcium Nitrate for Plants: Yay or Nay? Names for okra Once those okra pods start growing, they grow quickly. Use this okra planting guide to learn how to grow okra from seed, what soil to use, feeding, how much to water okra, harvesting okra, and other tips to ensure you grow lots of okra pods. You can grow okra in pots, containers, in a garden bed, or right in the ground. In addition, you need to give them enough space and the right amount of water. While okra seeds grow quickly, it’s important to know when to plant okra. If you try growing it at the wrong time, you won’t have success. It’s a warm climate plant and hates the cold. In zone 9b, they may grow more pods over time because it’s a longer season. If you live in the south or are in growing zone 7a or 7b, you will likely get 30+ pods per plant throughout the season. How many pods per plant really depends if you are in a hardiness zone that suits them. The stalks are tough and sturdy and produce lots of pods per plant. Therefore, because it’s tall, lean and grows upward, you can maximize the space you have. It grows tall, up to 5 – 6 feet, but it doesn’t spread out. In addition to being simple to grow, okra doesn’t take up a lot of room in the garden. It’s a warm season vegetable that will flourish. If you have an area that gets lots of sun, start growing okra. Okra plants are easy to grow and great for beginner gardeners.
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