The okra plant has an upright, branching growth habit; the palmate leaves have five to seven lobes, and the flowers are yellow or white, often with purplish centers. The flowers give way to elongated seed pods, up to 7 inches long, containing white seeds that fill a pentagon-shaped chambered structure. Okra is generally planted in the spring from seeds sown directly into the garden when the soil reaches 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants grow quickly and will take close to two months to produce seed pods that can be harvested. In regions with short growing seasons, the seeds can be started indoors in biodegradable pots three to four weeks before the last projected frost date. Okra plants do not like their roots disturbed. Okra can be direct sown or started indoors and transplanted. Starting seedlings in biodegradable pots that can be planted in the ground will lessen root disturbance and transplant shock. Wait until the weather is reliably warm, about two weeks after your last projected frost date, before transplanting outdoors. Okra prefers evening temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime temperatures in the upper 80s. If you are direct sowing, plant the seeds 1 inch deep and 4 to 8 inches apart. Space rows 3 feet apart. Thin seedlings to 18 to 24 inches apart when they are roughly 4 to 6 inches tall to give the plants room to branch. Crowding will result in thin plants with few fruits. The plants will keep producing pods throughout the summer, though in lessening quantities. Harvest pods continuously to keep the plants producing. Gardeners in warm climates can plant a second crop for harvest into the fall.
Light
You’ll have the strongest plants and the most pods if you plant your okra in full sun. This means at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days.
Soil
Okra does best in rich, well-draining soils with a neutral soil pH. It won’t thrive in heavy, soggy soils.
Water
Once okra plants are established, they can handle brief dry spells. For best yields, water well weekly if you haven’t had rainfall. Keep the soil of young plants evenly moist but not soggy. Okra needs about an inch of water per week for best productivity.
Temperature and Humidity
Okra is a very important food in hot climates where many other crops falter. In cooler climates, the seed pods are often smaller but still very edible. Okra plants love the heat. They kick into gear when temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit and grow even stronger when temperatures climb above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They also excel in dry conditions but still grow perfectly well in humid climates.
Fertilizer
If you have organically rich soil, you won’t need supplemental fertilizer. Side dressing with composted manure or foliage feeding with a seaweed/fish fertilizer will supply some extra fuel.
Okra Varieties
Okra varieties that are labeled spineless are less irritating to harvest, but be aware that they are not completely spine-free. Consider these okra varieties:
‘Annie Oakley’ is a hybrid plant that provides a nice yield. It grows 3 to 4 feet tall.‘Burgundy’ is an heirloom variety that has deep reddish seed pods that lose some of the color with cooking. It grows to around 4 feet.‘Clemson Spineless’ is an heirloom plant known for its good flavor. It is a larger variety, growing 4 to 5 feet high.‘Emerald’ has especially long seed pods at 7 to 9 inches. It is a spineless heirloom plant that grows to around 4 feet.‘White Velvet’ is another heirloom plant. It has tender white pods and grows to 5 feet.
Harvesting Okra
The edible okra fruits—the seed pods—generally appear about 50 to 60 days after the seedlings sprout, immediately after the flowers bloom. Okra pods are best when picked young. They are most tender when they’re 2 to 4 inches long and as wide as a pinkie finger. They tend to grow in the blink of an eye and usually reach this size within six days of flowering. As okra pods get larger, they become stringy and tough. Harvest pods early and often for best eating, as well as to keep the plant producing more flowers and pods. Okra plants are not pleasant to touch. Whether the spines are pronounced or hair-like, they are scratchy and irritating. Wearing gloves and long sleeves helps. It’s also easier to harvest with a pruner rather than pulling with your finger and getting the spines in your skin. As with most vegetables, okra is at its peak when freshly picked. Pods can be stored in the refrigerator for about one week, or they can be frozen, canned, or pickled.
How to Grow Okra in Pots
Okra plants need a large container that’s roughly a foot deep with a similar diameter. A dark-colored container is beneficial because it will absorb heat, which okra plants like. Make sure the container also has good drainage, and always empty the saucer right away if it fills with water. Use a quality organic potting mix, and keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. Selecting a smaller okra variety for container growth is recommended.
Propagating Okra
Pods left on the plants to mature and dry can be harvested for their seeds. Simply store the seeds in a cool, dry spot over the winter, and plant them the following spring.
Common Pests & Diseases
Okra is relatively problem-free, and most issues affect only the leaves, not the pods. Aphids, Japanese beetles, corn earworms, flea beetlesm and stink bugs are known to attack the plants. Keep an eye out, and spray them off with water or remove them by hand before the infestation grows. Planting okra in cold soil can lead to disease like verticillium or fusarium wilt.
