Okra (also known as gumbo) is a tall vegetable whose immature seed pods are used for soups, stews and curries or as a fried or boiled vegetable.
In the UK plants are best grown in containers under cover in a greenhouse or polytunnel. Plants may grow well in containers on a warm, sheltered patio.
Sow from March to April under glass at a temperature of 21-29C (70-85F). Okra needs warmth, so once germinated plants should be potted on into a 9cm (3.5in) pot and kept at a minimum night temperature of 15C (60F).
Plant young plants into 23-25cm (9-10in) pots or growing-bags or into the greenhouse border from late spring to early summer when they are 10-15cm (4-6in) high.
In very warm areas, plants may grow outside in containers or garden soil. Plant outside after the fear of frosts has passed, between 30-90cm (1-3ft) apart. Okra usually grows well in any good garden soil. Plants to be grown outside should first be hardened off (acclimatised to outdoor conditions for 10-14 days).
Okra will do fairly well under dry conditions. However, watering every seven to 10 days during dry weather will give higher yields. Plants growing in containers will have to be watered more frequently - usually daily during warm weather in summer.
Once the first flowers are formed feed weekly with a high potash fertiliser.
The pods should be picked (usually cut with a knife or secateurs) while they are tender and immature (5-10cm/2-4in) long for most cultivars. This can be any time from July through to October. They must be picked often - at least every other day or yields will decrease. Also, if the okra gets too large, it will be tough and stringy.
Okra plants have short hairs that may irritate bare skin, so wear gloves and long sleeves when harvesting – or touching the plants.
Plants will produce fruit until the first frost, or when temperatures significantly drop in autumn.
Four or five plants should produce enough okra for most families, unless you wish to freeze some for winter use.
