Okra
Abelmoschus esculentus
A Basic Growing Guide
Description
Okra, often called "lady's finger" for its slender, elongated shape, is a staple of Southern gardens and kitchens. This warm-weather vegetable hails from Africa and thrives in hot, sunny climates, making it perfect for Middle Tennessee summers. When your okra plant first flowers, look closely. Do they remind you of any other flower you may have seen while vacationing on a tropical island? If you said “Hibiscus!”, you are a keen observer. Okra is part of the mallow family which also includes hibiscus. Another mallow family member is the mallow plant. The roots of the mallow plant were originally used as a thickening agent to make marshmallows, while okra is the key ingredient that thickens gumbo. This “thickening agent” is what seems to make okra so controversial. Okra haters call it “slimy”, okra lovers call it “yummy”. There are some people who even like to drink okra water. Just chop up your okra and let it soak, then use a strainer to separate the water from the leftover okra. It will be the thickest water you ever drink! I’m trying to develop a taste for okra. I find I like them better when they are picked smaller and more tender, plucking them out of my garden and munching on them while I water. If I eat a garlic chive at the same time, it’s even more palatable, dare I say…enjoyable?
Some Common Varieties
Clemson Spineless: A popular, easy-to-harvest variety with smooth, spineless pods.
Jing Orange: An eye-catching variety with vibrant orange-red pods and a slightly sweet flavor.
Burgundy: Deep red pods that turn green when cooked, adding color and flavor to dishes.
Emerald: Dark green, smooth pods known for their tender texture and excellent flavor.
Okra (Burgundy variety) Through The Season
Planting Instructions
Light Requirements
Okra needs full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
When
Plant okra after the danger of frost has passed, typically in mid to late May, when the soil has warmed up.
Seed or Transplant?
Okra is best directly seeded into the garden, but it can also be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost.
Depth
Plant seeds 1 inch deep.
Spacing
Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
Growth Habit
Okra plants grow tall and upright, often reaching 3-6 feet in height.
Tending
Watering
Water okra deeply and regularly, about 1 inch per week. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Common Pests and Treatments
Aphids: Tiny, green or black insects that cluster on new growth. Spray off with water.
Flea Beetles: Small, black beetles that chew small holes in leaves. Use row covers or plant a crop of radishes as a trap crop. Once the plant is big enough, the flea beetles won’t be as big of a deal.
Stink Bugs: Brown or green shield-shaped bugs. Hand-pick and drown in soapy water.
Common Diseases and How to Treat
Powdery Mildew: White, powdery spots on leaves. Ensure good air circulation.
Fusarium Wilt: Yellowing and wilting of leaves caused by fungi that reside in the soil. Remove and destroy affected plants and rotate crops to prevent recurrence.
Root-Knot Nematodes: Microscopic roundworms that live in the soil and cause swelling on roots causing stunted and irregular growth. Use nematode-resistant varieties. If you had this problem in previous years, you can also try solarizing the soil before planting by placing a plastic tarp over the soil for 4 weeks to heat and kill the nematodes.
Feeding/Fertilizing
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, such as GardenTone.
Pruning
Pruning is not usually necessary for okra, but removing any damaged or diseased leaves can help improve air circulation and plant health.
Harvesting
When
Harvest okra when the pods are 2-4 inches long and still tender.
How
Cut the pods from the plant with a sharp knife or pruners, leaving a small stem attached. Harvest frequently to encourage more production.
Then What?
After harvesting, okra should be stored in a cool, dry place and used within a few days for the best flavor and texture. Okra can also be blanched and frozen for longer storage. Pickles are a great way to preserve them as well. Regular harvesting will promote continued fruiting throughout the season.