Okra

Abelmoschus esculentus

Days to maturity are calculated from transplant date.

Culture
• Okra is a heat-loving crop that needs stable temperatures above 65°F for best results
• Raised beds covered with plastic mulch help improve yields
• Cover plants with row cover to increase warmth and protect from pests until plants begin to bloom
• Apply 2 cups of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 10 row feet, and 1 inch of compost

Direct Sowing
• Soaking the seed in warm (110°F) water for 2 hours may help to soften the hard seed coat and hasten germination
• Space seed 4-6 inches apart, thin plants when they have two sets of true leaves

Transplanting
• Start indoors 3-5 weeks before anticipated transplant date in 3 or 4" pots
• See seed soaking directions above
• Incorporate 1/4 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer around each plant
• Transplant carefully to avoid transplant shock

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Cucumber beetles
• Insect control: Pyrethrin and row covers
• Common diseases: Verticillium & Fusarium wilt, and various fungal diseases
• Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation

Harvest & Storage
• Pods should be picked when about 3 inches long, usually about 4-6 days after flowering
• Harvest regularly to keep plants producing; check your plant daily to avoid pods becoming overripe and tough
• Wear long sleeves and gloves to protect yourself from the small spines that may cause itching
• Use a sharp knife to remove the pods just above the cap. If it’s difficult to cut the stem, the pod is likely overripe and would be too tough to eat
• The leaf above the pod can be removed after harvest since only one pod grows under each leaf
• Store at 45-50°F and 90-95% relative humidity
• Okra can be frozen by either placing uncut and uncooked pods in bags or by washing and blanching the okra before freezing
• Okra can be canned for longer term storage