Okra - Key Growing Information

Okra plant being grown on mulch to enhance soil temperature, showing blossom as well as developing pods.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Abelmoschus esculentus

CULTURE:

Sow in 2" pots or plug trays, 3 seeds per pot/cell, 1/4" deep. Start 4-5 weeks ahead of transplanting out after frost danger when soil is warm. Keep soil mix temp. 80-90°F (27-32°C) for fast germination. Thin to one plant per pot/cell. Transplant 12-18" apart in rows 3' apart. Do not disturb roots. Use row cover for added warmth to plants and soil.

DIRECT SEEDING:

After frost danger, sow 2" apart, 1/2" deep when soil is warm - at least 70°F (21°C). Thin to 12-18" apart.

HARVEST:

Harvest promptly by clipping pods at 3-4" long to keep plants productive. Oversized pods become tough.

AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE:

1 oz./78', 13 oz./1,000', 12 lb./acre at 6 seeds/ft. in rows 36" apart.

TRANSPLANTS:

Avg. 155 pots/cells per oz., 2,500 pots/cells per DAYS TO MATURITY: From transplant.

SEED SPECS:

SEEDS/LB.: Avg. 9,000.

PACKET:

50 seeds.

Okra