Growing Okra

Okra, or gumbo, has about the same degree of hardiness as cucumbers and tomatoes and may be grown under the same conditions. It thrives on any fertile, well-drained soil.

Choose a site that gets full sun and where the mature plants won't shade shorter crops. Okra can grow up to 6 feet (2 m) tall. It does well in any pH from 6.0 to 8.0 but needs light, fertile soil. Till deeply and add well-composted manure to provide plenty of nitrogen.

An abundance of quickly available plant food will stimulate growth and insure a good yield of tender, high-quality pods. As okra is a warm-weather vegetable, the seeds should not be sown until the soil is warm. The rows should be from 3 to 31/2 ft.(1 m) apart, depending on whether the variety is dwarf or large growing. Sow the seeds every few inches and thin the plants to stand 18 in. to 2 ft.(45 to 60 cm) apart in the rows.

Buy started plants, or start seeds indoors in peat pots four to six weeks before the last expected frost in cooler regions. Sow seeds outdoors in mild climates when the soil temperature has reached 65 degrees F (19 C). If the soil is any cooler, the seeds will rot.

Cover transplants with cloches or floating row covers to protect them from the cold, and provide at least an inch of water a week. Wait until the soil has warmed thoroughly before you add mulch.

Harvest pods when 2 to 4 in.(5 to 10 cm) long. (This is usually 5 to 6 days after flowering.) Use a sharp knife or hand shears. Handle the pods carefully as they bruise easily. Since the pods develop rapidly, it's often necessary to harvest pods every other day in July and August.

Pods that are more than 5 in.(12 cm) in length become tough and stringy. While the larger pods are still edible, their quality is usually considered unacceptable. Pods that have become too large to use should be promptly picked and discarded. Pods that are allowed to mature on the plant will reduce additional flowering and fruiting.

Some individuals are sensitive to the small spines on the okra's leaves and stems and may develop a rash or itch. Sensitive individuals should wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt when harvesting the pods.

Okra deteriorates quickly after harvest. Pods can be stored for 7 to 10 days at a temperature of 45 to 50°F (7 to 10 C) and relative humidity of 90 to 95%. Pod discoloration and decay may occur at temperatures below 45°F.(7 C). Surplus may be frozen, canned, or pickled.