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Okra Growing Guide

Are you planning to grow okra in your home garden? This guide is for you! Okra, a flowering plant, is a Southern staple grown in gardens for a long time. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned green thumb, this summer vegetable is easy to grow and can produce an abundance of nutritious pods throughout the growing season.

Keep reading to learn expert tips about growing healthy and productive okra plants. From choosing the best variety to harvesting and caring for your plants, this growing guide will cover everything you need to know. Here we go!

A Quick Overview of Okra

Okra is a warm-season vegetable commonly known as lady's fingers and, scientifically, Abelmoschus esculentus. It is a member of the mallow family, which also includes hibiscus, cotton, and cocoa. Originally from Africa, okra grows well in scorching areas like Georgia, California, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana and can survive long periods without rain. It is popular in Southern cuisine, where it is often used in gumbo and other dishes.

This flowering plant is characterized by its tall, sturdy stems, lobed leaves, and colorful yellow flowers. Plants can grow up to 6 feet tall and produce elongated pods that can be eaten raw or cooked. Okra pods are rich in vitamins, folate, minerals, and dietary fiber. Depending on the type you pick and your space, you can grow okra in rows, raised beds, or containers.

Types of Okra

Here are some widely grown varieties of okra.

  • Clemson Spineless: This is the most popular variety of okra, a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers. The plant has tender, spineless pods that are 6.5 to 9 inches long and grow to about 4 feet long. These pods are easy to grow and harvest and produce high yields.
  • Louisiana Green Velvet: This type has dark green, velvety pods, perfect for hot and humid climates. These plants can grow up to 6 feet tall and don't have spines. They are a popular choice for frying and canning.
  • Cajun Jewel: This type of okra is perfect for growing in a greenhouse or a polytunnel, but you can also grow it outside. These smaller plants grow to about 2 1/2 to 4 feet tall. They have smooth, dark green pods about 8 inches long and up to 1 inch wide.
  • Pure Luck: These plants have early maturing pods. They are thin, smooth, and spineless. For the best yield, they need a temperature between 18–21°C (65–70°F).
  • Hill Country Heirloom Red: This rare variety of okra has red pods and green leaves. The pods are strong and about 6 inches long. The pods are firm and about 6 inches long. They are lush green with red tips and ribs, making them look elegant in your garden. Moreover, these plants can tolerate dry weather well and are best when harvested young. They are perfect for making tasty, pickled okra.
  • Red Burgundy: This type of okra has deep red stems, branches, and burgundy-colored pods. These plants are 3 to 5 feet long and produce 6 to 8 inches long pods.

Soil Requirements of Okra

The soil should be good quality, well-drained, and have a pH of around 6.0 to 6.8. If your soil is too acidic, add lime to raise the pH. If your soil is too alkaline, add sulfur to lower the pH. Before you plant, prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve fertility and soil structure. Okra can also grow in sandy soil but won't do well in heavy or soggy soil.

Okra Plant Spacing Requirements

Okra plants require adequate space to grow and produce healthy pods. If you're planting okra directly in the ground, make sure to space the rows about 3 to 4 feet apart and leave 12 to 24 inches between each plant. If you're planting okra in raised beds or containers, space the rows about 2 feet apart and leave 12 inches between each plant. This spacing provides plants with enough space to develop without overcrowding.

Watering Requirements of Okra

Okra plants require moderate watering and consistently moist soil throughout the growing season. Water newly planted okra seeds or seedlings well to help grow roots. Once developed, they need about 1 inch of water per week. Avoid using overhead watering because it can cause root rot and fungal diseases. On the other hand, insufficient water can lead to low yields, more diseases, and pest problems.

If you live in an area with low rainfall, you may need to supplement plants with additional watering systems, such as drip irrigation.

The best irrigation system for okra is drip irrigation from DripWorks. It delivers water directly to the plant’s roots through a series of drip tubing and emitters and reduces water waste. You can also use a soaker hose or sprinkler system. A soaker hose is a porous hose that allows water to seep slowly and evenly.

Pro Tip: Water in the morning or early evening to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases!

Fertilizer Requirements for Okra

Okra plants require regular fertilization to produce healthy pods. Add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil about a week before planting to improve fertility. Once the plants start growing, side-dress them every 2-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, like HB-101 All-purpose Organic Fertilizer. You can also use organic fertilizers like fish emulsion, bone meal, and blood meal. Add more fertilizer using a fertilizer injector. If using a fertilizer injector to fertigate through your drip system, use only water-soluble fertilizers to avoid clogs.

Growing Zones and When to Plant Okra

Okra is a warm-season vegetable that loves lots of sunlight. It is usually grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 11. The best time to plant okra seeds is after the last frost date in your area when the soil temperature stays above 65°F (18°C).

In most areas, okra seeds are planted directly in the garden about 3-4 weeks before the last spring frost date. If it is still cold, cover the plants with a tall cold frame or greenhouse until it gets warmer. Make sure the covering is tall enough for the plants to grow. If you want to plant okra seeds without any protection from the cold, wait until the soil is between 65°F and 75°F.

In places with short summer duration, especially in the North, you can sow okra seeds indoors in biodegradable pots or seed trays under bright light about 3-4 weeks before the last spring frost. Place the plant in a spot where it gets 5 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. Once the soil has warmed and all risk of frost has passed, transplant the seedlings outdoors.