Abelmoschus esculentus aka Okra

Taxonomy ID: 11695

Genus Abelmoschus Family Malvaceae Order Malvales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta

Abelmoschus esculentus, commonly known as okra or okro, is a flowering plant in the mallow family. It is valued for its edible green seed pods and is used in the cuisines of many countries. The geographical origin of okra is disputed, with supporters of West African, Ethiopian, Southeast Asian, and South Asian origins. Native to Africa and related to hibiscus, okra arrived in North America in the 1600s and quickly became popular in the Deep South as both a side dish and a thickening for gumbo and stews. The large-flowered, fast-growing plants can reach 2 to 6 feet tall depending on the cultivar and can be used as attractive garden borders. It is a warm-season vegetable and can be harvested when the pods reach a length of 3" approximately 4 months after sowing. Okra can be used fresh or dried and is often added to soups or stews.

Common names

Okra, Lady's Finger

More information about Okra

How difficult is it to take care of Okra

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Okra is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

What is the region of origin of Okra

Okra’s native range is The original habitat is obscure.

What are the water needs for Okra

Okra should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Okra

Okra loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Okra

Okra requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Lady's Finger is always in the right place to thrive.

How to fertilize Okra

Repotting the Okra should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Is Okra toxic to humans/pets?

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

What's the dormancy for Okra

During the cold period, it is common for Okra to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

What is the growth pattern of Okra

New growth will sprout from the top of the Okra as it grows vertically.

More info:
Wikipedia

Report a problem • Suggest Edit