Hedonisia Hawaii Tropical Educational Botanical Farm
Plant Inventory: "Okra"

Name of Plant: Okra - Abelmoschus esculentus. Species grown: Clemson Spineless, Dwarf, Red

Country of Origin: Africa, Egypt

Uses: Eat raw or cooked, or make Gumbo. The raw pods can be enjoyed as finger food, or can be cut into pieces and tossed into a fresh vegetable salad. Young okra pods tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted for 10 minutes in a 450-degree oven.

Growing Tips: Full sun, prefers warm climates. Plant seeds spaced 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 12 to 24 inches apart. If you prefer, stratify (nick) and soak seeds prior to planting to speed germination. When seedlings reach a height of four inches, thin by cutting extras with a scissors. Transplants should be spaced 12 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist (not wet). Common okra problems include cabbage worms and aphids. Remove worms by hand and spray aphids with an organic insecticide or spray them with a hose.

Harvest Time: Pods should be harvested when they are young and tender and have reached a length of 1 to 6 inches. Harvest frequently to keep plants producing. It can usually be picked around 46 days from sowing.

Location on Property: Garden E, Garden D Garden N