#Full grown okra plant full

However, if you water the plants every 7 to 10 days, the yield will be higher. Okra will do fairly well under dry conditions.

Do not over-use nitrogen, since it can cause excessive vegetative growth with poor yield. Additional side-dressing may be needed if heavy rains occur. Without a soil test, a general fertilizer recommendation is to apply 2 pounds of 10-10-10 per 100 square feet and make two side-dressings of 3 ounces of 10-10-10 per 100 feet of row, beginning when plants are 6- to 8-inches tall and again two to three weeks later. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin the row so the remaining plants are spaced 1.5- to 2-feet apart. Space rows 3-feet apart sow seeds 1-inch deep and 4- to 6-inches apart within the row. To enhance germination, soak okra seeds in water for several hours or overnight before sowing. Okra can be established by sowing seeds directly into the garden. At this time of the year, we have certainly reached optimum growing conditions. Only plant when soils have warmed up to at least 65 degrees F at a 4-inch depth. Align the rows in an east/west direction to capture maximum sunlight.

#Full grown okra plant full

Okra does best when planted in a full sun area. Okra can tolerate a pH range from 5.8 to 6.8. Okra prefers well-drained, sandy soils that are high in organic matter, but it can be grown in a wide variety of soils.

This vegetable is both easy and fun to grow and can be used in many different culinary dishes and for dried flower arrangements. It is considered a warm season vegetable and is a member of the Mallow family, which includes plants such as cotton and hibiscus. Okra is a Southern staple in the home garden and at the dinner table and can be grown throughout our area. If you’re limited on space, okra seedlings can also be grown in containers as long as they’re at least 12 inches deep and have drainage holes.Still looking for that summer-grown vegetable that can tolerate our heat and humidity as well as be tasty? Take another look at okra. Cooler temperatures can stunt their growth, so it’s important to wait until the weather has warmed up. Remember to plant them after the last frost date in your area and make sure they have full sun and well-drained soil. Okra seedlings are delicate when they’re first growing, but as long as you give them the right conditions, they’ll thrive. You can always test your soil to see what type it is and what the pH level is. This is an important step to prevent your okra plants from becoming waterlogged.Īs for the soil conditions, although it thrives in most types of soil, okra does prefer sandy or loamy soil with a soil pH level from 6.0 – 6.8. Just make sure that the container you’re using is at least 12 inches deep and has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. If you’re limited on space or don’t have the ideal conditions for planting okra, growing them in a container is a great option. This means it’s important to make sure that the area you’re planting in isn’t prone to flooding or sitting water.Īlternatively, okra seedlings can also be planted in containers. Okra plants don’t do well in soggy or wet conditions. It’s also important to make sure that the soil you’re planting in is well-drained. Remember, the more sunlight your okra plants get, the more productive they will be. If you have a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day, that’s perfect. Okra plants love full sun and well-drained soil. Where is the Best Place to Plant Okra Seedlings?Īs the days start to get warmer and you’re ready to start planting your okra seedlings, you’ll need to think about where the best place for them is.

Their roots are very delicate and are easily disturbed, which can stunt the growth of your plant. The reason behind this is that okra seedlings don’t do well when translated. Peat pots are essential as they can be planted directly in the ground without having to remove the plant from its pot. You can do this in peat pots approximately 4 weeks before the estimated final frost date. This is applicable to gardeners in cooler parts of the state. Like any other vegetables, they can be planted early on indoors for a head start. Spring is the perfect season for planting okra when the temperatures have ideally reached 65 degrees Fahrenheit. In most cases, this is 2-3 weeks after the last frost date in your area. They’re easy to care for, but unfortunately, they aren’t frost-resistant.įor this reason, it’s best to wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting your okra seedlings. One thing that you should know about these seedlings is that they don’t do well in frosty or cold conditions. Although these vegetables love the warmth of the sun, they do perfectly well in most parts of the United States, given the right conditions. One of the best things about planting okra is that this vegetable does perfectly well in USDA zones 2-11. Okra seedling: Final Thoughts When is the Best Time to Plant Okra Seedlings?