Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo
Abelmoschus esculentus : Malvaceae / the mallow family
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Not recommended for growing in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions
- Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 20°C and 35°C.
- Space plants: 35 - 60 cm apart
- Harvest in 11-14 weeks.
- Compatible with (can grow beside): Peppers (Capsicum, Chili), Eggplant (Aubergine)
Raise seedlings in a similar way to capsicums - warmth is essential. Pick pods when they are about 5 - 8 cm (2 - 4 inches) long. Cut the stem below the pod with a knife. If the stem is too tough to cut then the pod is probably inedible!
Wear gloves when picking as okra are often covered in tiny irritating hairs (which disappear when cooked).
Culinary hints - cooking and eating Okra
Use pods cut or whole in soups or casseroles as a boiled vegetable, or stirfry.
Freeze uncut okra pods for using later - they'll keep for months frozen.
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