Annie Oakley II Hybrid Okra

Want To Beging Growing okra? Just Follow This SImle Plan

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You have thought about growing okra but are not quite sure if you can do so. Well, do not worry about it anymore. You can grow okra and have plenty to give the neighbors.

The best soil for okra is a rich soil that has no problems draining. This is because okra will not do well in a perpetually wet soil.

Planting Okra

Okra seeds are quite large so there will be no problem with planting them as they are easy to see. Many people recommend soaking the seeds overnight before planting them. However, this is not necessary if you keep the ground moist (not soggy) until the okra sprouts.

If you choose starting the plants in peat pots will keep them from experiencing shock when being transplanted. About 6 weeks before you are due to plant them outdoors they may be started.

They should not be planted until approximately 2 weeks after the frost date. They are at their best when the weather is hot. The 80s and 90s are ideal for growing okra.

Place the vegetable seeds into the soil about an inch deep and keep the plantings from 4 to 8 inches apart. The rows should not be closer than 3 feet apart.

Thinning the plants will allow them to have the room they need to branch out. If they do not have enough room they will not produce as well.

Okra can get as tall as four feet or taller if they are not trimmed. They also will branch to as much as three feet wide. The soil will not need to be supplemented if you have a good soil to start.

If you feel they need a little extra, you can add a side fertilizer of manure that has had a seaweed fertilizer added will supply a little more nutrition to the plants.

Okra should be watered every week to 10 days. This, of course, is after they have been growing and are firmly rooted. The pods are often used for stews because they provide a good thickening agent. They may be left to dry out and used for seed as well.

Harvesting

The normal amount of days for harvesting okra is about 50 to 60. The plants do not feel good to the touch as they have spines that are quite annoying. It is suggested that gloves be used to keep from scratching your hands.

Actually the harvesting should be done with a pruner rather than your hands. This will keep the spines from getting in your hands and fingers.

The best time for harvesting is when they are young. This is typically about 2 to 4 inches long and no wider than your little finger. After the plant flowers, the okra can be ready to pick in just 6 days.

If they are not harvested when they are this size they will become tough. This will depend on the growing cycle and the conditions in which it is being grown.

Okra should be used within a week of picking unless you are going to freeze it. As with corn and many other vegetables, the best taste is when it is freshly picked.

J&A Pickled Okra - 12/32Oz J&A Pickled Okra: GR No Description available

Planting Okra