HOW TO GROW OKRA FROM SEED: GROWING ORGANIC OKRA IN THE GARDEN AT HOME

Okra is a plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family and is scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus. Informally it is also known as lady’s fingers. 

Okra originated in Africa, it has now become common in the United States of America. People love this warm weather vegetable. One of the most famous Okra dishes is Gumbo Soup—a creole dish that is popular in the southern states, especially New Orleans, Louisiana. 

You can also consume Okra as salad, make a stir-fried Okra dish, or use it in dishes as a thickening agent. Africans cook Okra as a vegetable stew dish that is normally eaten with thickened maize flour paste (traditionally named in different African countries as Nsima, Sadza, and Pap). You can also turn these leaves into a delightful tea or make an Okra green juice.

Okra plants are a nutritional powerhouse. They provide valuable nutrients such as fiber, calcium, protein, iron, and essential vitamins such as A, C, and K. They are a healthy addition to your diet. The United States Department of Agriculture has nutrients data of Okra. 

For first time gardeners, Okra is the easiest vegetable to grow from seed. Try to plant it in your garden or backyard in the spring or summer. 

STEP BY STEP ON HOW TO GROW OKRA FROM SEED

1| When to Plant Okra

The ideal time to plant Okra is during the spring or early summer, once the threat of frost has passed. However, if you live in a cooler region, consider starting your Okra indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date. Transplant them outdoors when the soil has warmed to around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. 

When to plant Okra in zone 7: For states like Oklahoma that are in zone 7a, according to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, early spring is the perfect time to plant Okra. This is when soil temperature is at least 70°F. Oklahoma State University has a good article on planting Okra. 

2| How Far Apart Do You Plant Okra?

Suggested Okra plant spacing is 12 inches. One seed per hole. They should be planted in rows spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. Once your Okra plants start growing, consider thinning them out to maintain a spacing of 12 to 18 inches between each plant.

3| Germination: How Long Does it Take for Okra to Germinate?

To cultivate Okra successfully, gardeners should follow these steps. First, soak the Okra seeds in water for approximately 12 to 18 hours before planting. This soaking process is essential because it enables the seeds to absorb moisture, facilitating germination. Optimal Okra seed germination temperatures are from 65°F to 105°F; the average germination time for Okra seed is 5 to 10 days.

Having said that, on numerous occasions, I have planted Okra seeds directly in the garden beds without soaking them first, and I have not experienced any germination issues

4| How Long Does it Take for Okra to Grow & How Tall Does Okra Grow?

Okra is a resilient plant that can thrive in various soil types. If you choose to fertilize, the seeds can germinate in as little as two to twelve days, and the plants can reach heights of three to six feet. To ensure your Okra gets ample sunlight, remember to plant them at a sufficient distance from other plants to prevent shading.

5| Watering Okra Seeds and Plants 

Proper watering is crucial for Okra’s growth. Aim to provide about an inch of water per week, especially during dry spells. 

6| Organic Fertilization When Growing Okra Plants

To maintain healthy soil, add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. You can also buy organic fertilizer in different home and garden stores. Healthy soil encourages strong plant growth and better disease resistance. 

Okra has a high demand for nutrients, which can be met through soil organic matter or the application of compost and manure. It specifically requires a consistent supply of nitrogen to support an extended pod production. It’s advisable to apply additional nitrogen through side-dressing at least once after the formation of pods. 

7| Okra Diseases and Pests 

Like all vegetables, Okra is susceptible to diseases. Some common issues include charcoal rot, fusarium rot, and powdery mildew—all of which are caused by fungi. Charcoal rot is characterized by discoloration and cankers on the stem, accompanied by wilting leaves. You might want to practice crop rotation in order to prevent charcoal rot.

Fusarium rot manifests as wilting in the cotyledons, older plants, and seedling leaves. Choosing seeds with higher disease resistance can help control this problem. 

Powdery mildew covers Okra leaves with a white powdery substance and causes scorching. To combat this issue, utilize overhead irrigation and plant your crops early in the season.

Lastly, due to its tender nature, Okra can attract pests such as earworm, aphids, flea beetles, and green stink bugs. Implement regular pest management practices to keep these nuisances at bay and ensure a successful Okra harvest.

8| How to Treat Okra’s Pests and Diseases Organically

Organically managing Okra diseases and pests involves using natural and sustainable methods to minimize or eliminate the problems without resorting to synthetic chemicals/pesticides. Here are some strategies to help you effectively control diseases and pests in your Okra garden organically. 

By incorporating these organic gardening practices, you can reduce the impact of diseases and pests on your Okra plants while maintaining a healthy and sustainable garden. When I plant my Okra, I usually follow good practices such as crop rotation, watering correctly, handpicking pests, and composting—as a result, I don’t need to follow all the methods mentioned below.

1. Select Disease-Resistant Varieties: Choose Okra varieties that are known to be more resistant to common diseases in your area.
2. Crop Rotation: Rotate your Okra plants with other non-related crops each season to reduce the buildup of disease pathogens in the soil.
3. Healthy Soil: Keep your soil healthy by adding things like well-rotted manure or compost. Healthy soil encourages strong plant growth and better disease resistance.
4. Proper Spacing: Space Okra plants adequately to ensure good air circulation, which can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
5. Mulch: Apply organic mulch (such as straw, leaves, or compost) around the base of the Okra plants to help control weeds and maintain consistent soil moisture, which can reduce stress on the plants.
6. Watering: Water at the base of the plants rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry. Water early in the day to allow the plants to dry off before night, which can reduce fungal infections.
7. Handpick Pests: Inspect your Okra plants regularly and remove pests like aphids, caterpillars, and beetles by hand. Putting these pests in a bucket of soapy water will kill them.
8. Beneficial Insects: Encourage beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that feed on Okra pests. You can do this by planting companion plants that attract these insects or by purchasing and releasing beneficial insects.
9. Neem Oil: Neem Oil functions as an organic insect repellent and antifungal solution. You can use it to control a variety of pests and fungal diseases on your Okra plants.
10. Homemade Remedies: You can make homemade sprays with ingredients like garlic, hot pepper, and soap to deter common pests. These can be effective against aphids, caterpillars, and other insects.
11. Disease Management: If diseases do occur, consider using organic fungicides like copper-based products. Adhere closely to the guidelines provided on the product label.
12. Trap Crops: Plant trap crops, like marigolds or nasturtiums, near your Okra to attract and divert pests away from your main crop.
13. Companion Planting: Certain companion plants can help deter pests. For example, planting basil or nasturtiums near your Okra may help repel aphids and beetles.
14. Beneficial Nematodes: Apply beneficial nematodes to your soil to control harmful soil-dwelling pests like root-knot nematodes. These beneficial nematodes are considered safe for people and pets.
15. Maintain Garden Hygiene: Remove and destroy infected plant debris to prevent the spread of diseases.
16. Crop Monitoring: Regularly inspect your Okra plants to catch and address issues early.

WHEN TO HARVEST OKRA

So when do you harvest Okra? The perfect time to gather Okra is when it reaches a size of at least 2 to 3 inches, typically around 50 to 65 days after planting. It’s best to pick the Okra that appears a bit faded in color. Don’t wait for it to grow larger as it can become tough and less enjoyable to eat. For many Okra dishes—the younger tender pods the better. 

When you’re harvesting, handle the Okra with care to avoid bruising. Additionally, it’s a good practice to remove any old seed pods to allow space for new ones to grow. Keep in mind that Okra has spines, so wearing gloves while picking is a good idea.

Storing Okra After Harvest

To store Okra properly, place it in a bag and store it in the refrigerator. Avoid Okra before storing, as moisture can make the pods slimy and prone to spoilage. It’s crucial to use or cook the Okra before you notice the ridges and tips turning dark. Typically, just five or four plants can provide enough Okra to feed an entire family. You can also reuse old seed pods to grow new Okra plants, making the most of your harvest.

CAN YOU EAT OKRA LEAVES? 

Absolutely, you can eat Okra leaves, and there are various ways to enjoy them. One popular option is to consume young Okra leaves raw, in a fresh salad. 

However, most folks prefer to boil these leaves. Boiling works wonders because it softens them up and takes away some of the spiny feel. When cooked this way, Okra plant leaves have a mild, grassy flavor that pairs excellently with ingredients like garlic, peppers, and onions. Here are some Okra recipes featured on this website:

• Organic Okra Leaves Green Juice
• Stir Fried Okra leaves (Low Lectin Diet)
• Chicken Gumbo Soup with Okra
• A Quick Guide: Best Things to Do in New Orleans, Louisiana (New Orleans has many restaurants serving the best Gumbo Soup and other Okra dishes)

In some culinary traditions, like those of the Southern United States, leaves of Okra plants are used to thicken dishes. They serve as a natural thickening agent, adding a unique touch to various recipes.

Okra leaves typically grow with 5-7 lobes on each stem in an alternating pattern. They have serrated edges, a medium size, heart-like shape, and a vibrant green color. As stated above, the leaves are covered in spines. It’s essential to pick them when they are young and tender because mature leaves can taste unpleasantly acidic. 

SUMMARY & QUICK FACTS ON HOW TO GROW OKRA FROM SEED

In conclusion, growing Okra from seed can be a rewarding endeavor for home growers, it’s a beautiful process. Remember to provide Okra with the right growing conditions—planting in early spring presents perfect temperature and weather. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases by following good preventative practices. When the time is right, pick the pods while they are young and tender. Young tender Okra pods make the best Gumbo soup. Don’t throw away Okra leaves, try out some salads and boiled Okra leaves seasoned with your favorite herbs. 

Quick Important Facts to Take Away: 

• Optimal Okra Seed Germination Temperatures: 65°F to 105°F
• Average Germination Time for Okra Seed: 5 to 10 days
• Recommended Planting Seasons: Spring through Summer
• Suggested Plant Spacing: 12 inches in rows spaced 24 to 36 inches apart
• Fertilization Requirements: Okra has a high demand for nutrients, which can be met through soil organic matter or the application of compost and manure. It specifically requires a consistent supply of nitrogen to support an extended pod production. It’s advisable to apply additional nitrogen through side-dressing at least once after the formation of pods. 
• Expected Time to Harvest: Approximately 80 to 90 days from seeding. After transplanting, maturity is from 50 to 60 days.