Okra , often referred to as “ lady ’s finger ” . Not the most glamorous name , but trust me , it ’s a total game - changer in the kitchen . If you ’ve never tried it , think of it as a veg that ’s part green bean , part courgette , with a slight southern appeal shake off in . Tender , a little second slimy ( in a good style , promise ) , and packed with flavor , okra is one of those veggies that deserves a place in your garden and on your home plate .

It ’s a live weather lover , so it thrives in the summer rut , and once it ’s in full swing , you ’ll be harvest those pods like a professional . And get this — gumbo ispacked with vitamins , fiber , and antioxidant , so you ’re doing your consistence a favor by adding it to your meals .

implant it after the last frost , and give it a sunny spot to unfold out . Okra ’s roots like a small space , so avoid crowd it with other plants . And just like any diva in the garden , it call for its average share of attention — water , a small love , and the occasional pruning to keep things in check .

The plant itself ? A beauty with large , diffused leaves that front great and provide some specter for your other crops . Plus , it ’s get some medicinal perk too . multitude apply the leave in teas or for other remedies . Who make love such an retiring veggie could do so much ?

How to Grow Okra

arise okra can be a rewarding experience , as it ’s a relatively easy crop to grow with proper maintenance . Here ’s a stride - by - footfall guide :

Planting Okra

Growing Okra

Harvesting Okra

Additional Tips

Okra Growing Zone

Okra is a warm - season vegetable that fly high in zones 7 through 11 in the US . It prefer temperature between 75 ° F to 95 ° F ( 24 ° C to 35 ° cytosine ) and grows salutary in full sunlight .

If you are in a cooler geographical zone , such as 6 or lower , you may still grow okra by starting seed indoors and transfer them outside after the last frost date .

Additionally , using dustup cover or arise in container that can be moved to warm spots can help extend the growing time of year for okra in cooler zones .

Growing Okra FAQ

Okra prosper in warm conditions , so it ’s best to plant it in recent spring or early summertime after the last frost has passed . The grime temperature should be at least 70 ° F ( 21 ° C ) for optimum growth .

Okra plant need full Lord’s Day , which stand for they should receive at least 6 - 8 hours of direct sunlight each day .

Okra typically take about 50 to 60 days from institute to reap , reckon on the form and growing consideration .

Harvest okra pods when they are 2 - 4 in long . Larger cod can become knotty and fibrous . Use pruning shears or a sharp tongue to rationalise the pods from the plant life .

Yes , Abelmoschus esculentus can be grown in containers as long as the container is at least 12 inches deep and wide . Ensure the container has proficient drainage and receives plentitude of sunlight .

hard and woody okra plant pods usually occur when the pods are pass on on the plant too long before harvesting . To ward off this , pluck the seedpod while they are still tender and untested .