Okra

Abelmoschus esculentus

Plant family

Mallow family (Malvaceae)

Season Overview

Propagating

Planting

Harvest

J

F

M

A

M

J

A

S

O

N

D

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Plant distance

30 cm

Row spacing

60 cm

Seeding depth

3 cm

Instructions

Mid of March

Propagating

Description

The okra plant belongs to the mallow family. By the way, the hibiscus also belongs to the same family. This explains the beautiful, white - yellow or purple flowers of the okra plant. From them develop the 10 to 20 cm long pods. The annual tropical plant can grow up to 250 cm in optimal conditions.

Origin:

This vegetable plant originates from the highlands of Abyssinia, a high mountain range in central and northern Ethiopia in Africa. It is one of the oldest crops on earth.

Growing tips

The okra plant likes it warm. In our latitudes, it therefore tends to be cultivated in a greenhouse. Only in very mild regions can it be grown as a container plant. Cultivation begins in April. For faster and more reliable germination, soak the seeds in warm water for a day. The germination time is around 10 days. You can then plant out the okra seedlings in the greenhouse at the end of May. Finally, tie a climbing aid made of string or wooden sticks. You should harvest 2 weeks after the plant has withered. Unripe fruits can also be harvested.