Now You Can Have a Bountiful Harvest of Okra: Your FAQs Answered

Are you curious about growing your own okra? Maybe you have some questions about how to grow okra successfully. Well, in this post we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about growing okra just for you!

This is a follow-up article from my earlier one How to Grow Okra and a continuation of our FAQ series. And for now, let’s start with okra.

Most Commonly Asked Questions About Growing Okra

When can I grow okra?

Start planting okra seeds indoors in soilless media 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date. You can also do the same in your garden as long as you cover the plants with a cold frame until the weather warms up.

Why do my okra pods have prickly hairs on them?

This is natural. There is nothing wrong with your pods. Just while harvesting, use a pair of good gardening gloves to be on the safe side.

Do all okra varieties have spines?

No some okra varieties such as Clemson Spineless are without any spines.

Why doesn’t my seed germinate even after soaking?

This is probably due to the fact that your seeds are too old. Okras seeds don’t have a good reputation for keeping well. The best seeds are the fresh ones. If you buy seeds, buy them every season. Also, you can save the seeds yourself by allowing a few pods to fully mature.

What is ornamental okra?

If you don’t want to raise the vegetable for eating, you can still grow okras for ornamental purposes. They have big, hibiscus-like blooms that definitely attract eyes.

The delicate, almost otherworldly flowers, last only a single day. They appear from early summer until the first frost.

All okra plants are ornamental, but certain varieties are showier than others. Here are some of the most popular ones.

Can I grow okra in pots?

Yes, you can successfully grow okra in pots. Choose a large container with a minimum diameter of 18 inches and ensure it has good drainage.

Select dwarf or compact varieties for container gardening and provide adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Do I need to provide support for my okra plants?

Generally, okra plants don’t require support unless you’re growing tall varieties or experiencing strong winds. However, if you notice the plants leaning or bending under the weight of the pods, you can provide stakes or cages for support.

Why doesn’t my okra bear any fruit?

Several factors can contribute to a lack of fruiting in okra. Insufficient sunlight, high temperatures above 90°F (32°C), inadequate pollination due to low bee activity, or planting non-fruiting varieties can all be possible reasons.

Ensure optimal growing conditions and choose suitable varieties to encourage fruit production.

Why is my okra going yellow?

Yellowing of okra leaves can be caused by various factors. Overwatering, nutrient deficiencies (such as nitrogen), pests (like aphids or whiteflies), diseases (such as fusarium wilt or root rot), or excessive heat stress can lead to yellowing.

Proper watering, fertilization, pest control, and providing shade during hot periods can help prevent yellowing.

Why Are My Okra Plants Wilting?

Wilting okra plants may indicate underwatering, especially during hot and dry conditions. Ensure consistent moisture levels in the soil by watering deeply and regularly, especially during the growing season.

Wilting can also be a sign of root rot or other diseases, so check for any signs of infections or pests.

Why are my okra pods tough and stringy?

Tough and stringy okra pods are often a result of harvesting them when they are too mature. Pods should ideally be picked when they are tender and around 3-4 inches long.

Overripe or oversized pods tend to become fibrous and less palatable. Harvest regularly and frequently to maintain the tenderness of the pods.

Should I remove the old okra pods?

Yes. Once the okra pods matured they will become tough. These tough pods will soak up your plant’s sap that would otherwise have gone to the young pods. This also results in lesser okra yield.

So unless you are planning to save seeds, you should remove over-matured pods. These pods don’t taste well so the best thing to do would be to compost them.

What is the ideal crop rotation for okra?

Crop rotation is crucial to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases. Okra belongs to the same family as cotton and hibiscus, so avoid planting okra in the same area where these crops were grown in the previous year.

Instead, rotate with crops from different families, such as tomatoes, beans, or lettuce, to maintain soil health and reduce pest pressure.

Check out our earlier post on the crop rotation guide to get a clearer idea.

How to save okra seeds?

To save okra seeds, allow some pods to mature on the plant until they turn brown and dry. Harvest these pods and let them further dry indoors for a few weeks.

Once fully dry, remove the seeds from the pods and store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container until the next planting season.

Final Thoughts:

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of our FAQs on growing okra. We hope that we’ve provided you with valuable information that will help you grow healthy and delicious okra in your garden.

Remember, growing okra is a fun and rewarding experience that can be enjoyed by anyone. With the right planting techniques, maintenance, and pest control, you can produce a bountiful harvest of fresh okra to enjoy in your favorite recipes.

If you found this post helpful, please share it with your friends and family who may be interested in growing okra. And don’t forget to explore more articles on our site to learn more about gardening and other exciting topics.

Finally, we encourage you to take action and start growing okra today. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. With a little patience and dedication, you can have a successful and thriving okra garden. Good luck and happy gardening!