Abelmoschus esculentus
okra
A deciduous perennial from tropical regions that is grown as an annual in temperate climates. It has hairy leaves deeply cut into 5-7 lobes and hibiscus-like pale yellow flowers to around 7cm wide with dark centres borne in summer and followed by edible, green seed pods
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Abelmoschus are hairy annuals or perennials with large, usually palmately-lobed leaves and 5-petalled, hibiscus-like, flowers borne in the leaf axils or in terminal racemes
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown under glass or in a polytunnel but can be planted outside in a warm, sunny, sheltered position in a container or in the ground when soil temperature has risen to 15°C. See okra cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Sub-tropical
- Edible fruit
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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