Early land preparation also permits weed seeds to germinate and allows early cultivation to destroy young weeds before planting. Thorough soil preparation 2 to 3 months before planting is recommended to allow crop residues and organic matter in the soil to decompose before okra is planted. Okra can grow in a wide range of rainfall regimes but needs 400 mm of water for the growing period of about 3 months. If lime is recommended, dolomite should be used and applied 3 to 4 months before the crop is seeded. A soil test will indicate if lime is required to adjust the pH and the amount to apply. Its optimum range of soil pH is between 5.8 and 6.5. it must be frequently fertilized in sandy soils, as soluble nutrients readily leach from the root zone. When the soil fertility level is low, organic manure, fertilizer, or compost can be applied to improve soil productivity. The seeds perform well on fertile, well-drained loamy soil.

Okra will grow on a wide range of soils, but it prefers soils high in organic matter. The crop is sensitive to frost and temperatures below 12☌. The optimum temperatures for the growth and production of high-quality pods range between 24 and 30☌. Okra is grown at elevations ranging from sea level to 1600 m. It is believed to have originated in Ethiopia but is also particularly popular in India, West Africa, and Brazil.Ĭlimatic Conditions, Soils, and Water Management Okra can grow 1.2–1.8 m (4–6 ft) tall and as an annual plant, survives only one growing season.

The seed pod is a capsule up to 25 cm (10 in) long, containing numerous seeds. The leaves are 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long with 5–7 lobes The plant produces flowers with five white to yellow petals which are 4–8 cm (1.6–3.1 in) in diameter. Okra plants have small erect stems that can be bristly or hairless with heart-shaped leaves. Okra seeds contain a considerable amount of good-quality oil and protein. The leaves are sometimes used as spinach or cattle feed, the fibers from the stem for cord, the plant mucilage (thick gluey substance) for medical and industrial purposes, and the seeds as a substitute for coffee. The pods can be conserved by drying or pickling. It is a common ingredient in soups and sauces. Okra, also known as lady's fingers, is mainly grown for its young immature pods, which are consumed as a vegetable, raw, cooked, or fried.

Okra seedlings white leaves