Abelmoschus esculentus or Okra is a popular vegetable in America, where it is better known as ‘Lady Fingers’. Originating from Africa it can be cooked and eaten in many different ways. It is commonly used in stews to add flavour and as a thickener.
The flavour of Abelmoschus esculentus is mild and quite hard to explain, some people say it tastes grassy and green bean like while others say it is more like an eggplant flavour.
Growth
The plant itself is quite compact with a height and width of approximately 60cm and can fruit heavily. The Okra is a relation to Hibiscus and this is quite obvious from it’s gorgeous flowers, which are also edible. As a warm temperature plant, crops will be best in warm temperatures. This species will cope fairly well with drought and heat but does not tolerate frost.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Malvaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 40°C / 50 to 105°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining. Suitable for most types of soil but will do best in a soil or compost rich in nutrients.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 60 cm’s (2 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 40 cm’s (1.2 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.3
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial in tropical climates, annual in temperate zones.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low – Medium
POLLINATION:
Self Pollinating
MATURITY:
50-80 days
GERMINATION RATES:
88%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-2 weeks, dependent on conditions
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
16
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS (Okra – Clemson’s Spineless)
Okra is classed as a superfood because of its many nutritional & health benefits. Okra is good for the immune system. It is richness in Vitamins A, C & K, calcium, magnesium, fibre, protein and carbohydrates.
Some people can have an allergic type reaction (itchiness) when harvesting Okra but the Clemson’s Spineless does not cause this problem, which is no doubt why it is a popular variety for the home garden.
