Okra

Okra - Clemson Spineless (Abelmoschus Esculentus) - This variety of okra has deep green ribbed and spineless pods. Pick pods young, while still tender. Test for tenderness by snapping off the end of a pod. If it snaps, it hasn’t become touch and fibrous yet and should still be good for eating. Okra pods are excellent for use in soups, stews, and relishes. Okra plants can reach 4 or more feet tall or be topped and grown shorter. If given room to branch out, okra herb plants can spread 3 feet wide. Okra plants are extremely drought and heat resistant and okra is a popular herb or vegetable in many countries with difficult growing conditions. Okra is a heat lover. It grows best when temperatures reach 80 degrees and still grows strong when it climbs into the 90s.

Okra seeds are large and easy to plant. Some herb gardeners like to pre-soak their okra seeds the night before planting, but you should get good germination if you keep the soil moist until the plants break through. Okra can be direct sown or started indoors and transplanted. Starting seedlings in peat pots will lessen transplant shock. Start indoor seeds 6 - 8 weeks before transplant date.

Okra plants are not pleasant to touch. Whether the spines are pronounced or hair-like, they are scratchy and irritating. Gloves and long sleeves help. It is also easier to harvest with a pruner, rather than pulling and getting the spines in your fingers.