Okra II

Okra is a staple in many Black households. Still, few of us know much of its history or its needs in the garden. For openers, Okra is a large, robust, tropical-looking plant that grows 3 to 8 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It is grown for its pods that follow attractive yellow flowers in the axils of leaves. (The axil is where the leaf comes off the stalk.) Okra is a relative of the tropical flower hibiscus. Okra was brought from Africa in the 1600's. It, together with another African vegetable, southern peas (blackeyes), quickly spread across the South because these two vegetables were among the few that would produce food throughout the long, hot summers. Okra was originally called gumbo; it became a staple of the cuisine of the Deep South.

It is difficult to grow okra in fine, sandy soil because of its need for steady, adequate, but not excessive supply of soil moisture and plant nutrients. Although okra grows best where the summers are long and hot, it will flourish wherever corn grows. Okra will not fruit well if excessive nitrogen is present in the soil. If your soil drains slowly, ridge it up for okra rows. Okra is tap rooted and likes a deep seedbed. Only moderate amounts of organic matter should be incorporated to avoid excessive release of nitrogen when warm soil accelerates its breakdown. Ridged rows or raised beds keep heavier soils drier and warmer but should not be used for lightweight soils, which would dry out excessively. Well-drained soil is less likely to foster soil-borne diseases that occasionally attack okra.

Because okra seeds have a hard outer shell, many gardeners soak the seeds overnight in tepid water (often in a thermos to keep the water warm). Others, intent on rushing the beginnings, place the seeds in damp paper towels, roll them up, then place everything in a zip lock plastic bag. This whole package needs being placed where the temperature is between seventy-five and ninety degrees. In three to five days, you should have your sprouts. The sprouts must be placed 1 ½ to 2 inches deep in well-prepared soil that is moist. When your seeds are placed in the ground night temperatures cannot be lower than sixty degrees. Seeds or sprouts should be placed 12 inches apart. As the plants begin to mature two to three feet is desirable. It is important that air be able to circulate around and through your plants.

Summer weeds can be a problem until okra outgrows them. Scrape off weeds with a hoe. Cultivating around small plants isn't a good idea, their roots are shallow. Okra is deep rooted and, once well established, will thrive if it receives a good rain or irrigation every couple weeks. Once the pods begin to set, snip off the young ones every 2 to 3 days. Some cultivars, especially during cool spells, will produce pods that are tender to a length of 4 to 6 inches but most are harvested at 3 to 4 inches.

I have found Annie Oakly II to be the best variety for our region.