Okra is a fairly easy vegetable to grow from seed. Okra seeds can be sowed directly into the ground or by starting them in seed flats, containers or peat pots.
Okra performs best in Fall gardens but can grow in Spring gardens as well. Okra prefers cooler weather so for more southern states, Fall gardens are usually the best option for healthier plants with higher yields.
The first step in growing okra from seed is starting with a quality okra seed. Okra seeds can be purchased from garden centers, online seed stores, catalogs and other garden suppliers. Okra seeds should be fresh and packaged for the current year.
Growing Okra from Seeds Using Seed Flats, Containers, or Peat Pots
Begin planting okra seeds by preparing the soil in which they will be grown. Use a well-draining medium that will keep the okra seeds moist but not soggy. As with starting any seeds, the soil and the containers should be sterile to prevent any type of fungi from infecting the okra plants as they grow.
Use containers that have good drainage to avoid soggy soil. Water the soil thoroughly and allow it to drain before planting the seeds.
Once the soil has been prepared use a pencil, popsicle stick, or other small utensil to create small holes in the soil. Okra seeds should be planted about one inch deep.
Next, plant a single okra seed in each hole and cover with soil. Water the seeds in well.
If other plants or okra varieties are being planted in the same container be sure to label each type of plant and variety. Many plants including okra, don’t have distinctive features that can determine the plant type without a mature fruit being present.
Once the okra seeds have been planted, watered, and labeled, set them in a warm, sunny location to germinate. Keep the soil moist at all times but not soggy.
After the okra seeds are established and about 10-15 days after germination, fertilize with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer at one-quarter strength. The next application can be applied at one-half of recommended strength (unless packaging states otherwise).
Once the seeds are well established, continue to water and grow them until they reach a mature enough level to be transplanted into the garden.
Growing Okra from Seeds by Sowing Directly Into the Garden
Next, prepare the soil where the okra seeds will be planted. If the seeds are being sown directly into the ground then prepare the soil by tilling, fertilizing and weeding the area.
Sow okra seeds directly into the soil by planting them one inch deep. Seeds should be planted at least twelve inches apart. Once okra seeds have been planted, water in well.
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