Planting
- When to Plant: Okra is a warm-season vegetable and should only be planted after all danger of frost has passed and when the soil temperature is consistently above 65°F (18°C), ideally between 75-85°F. Gardeners in cooler climates can start seeds indoors in biodegradable pots 4-6 weeks before the last frost date to get a head start, as okra has a sensitive taproot and does not transplant well from traditional pots.
- Seed Preparation: Soaking the seeds in water for 12 to 18 hours before planting can help soften the tough outer shell and encourage faster germination.
- Sowing: Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep.. For direct seeding, place seeds about 2 inches apart, later thinning the seedlings to 12-18 inches apart. Rows should be spaced about 3 feet apart.
Growing Conditions & Care
- Sunlight: Okra requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) for optimal growth and production.
- Soil: It grows best in fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (around 5.5 to 6.8). Amending the soil with aged compost or well-rotted manure before planting is recommended. You might be interested in this as you have shown interest in various farming supplies, including poultry and cattle dewormers, suggesting a general interest in animal and farm products that can be used for compost/manure on the farm.
- Watering: Okra is drought-tolerant, but for the best yields, provide consistent moisture, about 1 inch of water per week. Water deeply at the base of the plant to avoid fungal diseases on the leaves.
- Fertilizing: Okra is a heavy feeder. Mix a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) into the soil before planting. Side-dress the plants with fertilizer every four to six weeks or so throughout the growing season. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can result in more leafy growth and fewer pods.
- Pruning: As plants grow tall (up to 7-8 feet), you can prune the lower leaves to improve air circulation and make harvesting easier. To encourage new pods later in the season, you can also "top off" the plants, cutting them back to a manageable height of 2-3 feet.
Harvesting
- Timing: 'Cowhorn' okra pods mature quickly, often within 2-3 days after the flower blooms. The pods should be harvested when they are young and tender, typically around 5 to 6 inches long. While they can remain tender up to 10 inches, picking them regularly ensures continuous production.
- Method: Harvest every one to two days using a sharp knife or pruning shears, leaving a small piece of stem attached to the pod. If a pod is hard to cut or snap off easily, it is likely too old and will be tough and stringy.
- Caution: The plants can have tiny, stiff hairs (spines) that cause skin irritation, so it is a good idea to wear gloves and long sleeves when harvesting.
Cowhorn Okra 1oz
Vendor: Wax
Regular price
$3.00
Pickup available at Prattville Farm Center
Usually ready in 1 hour
Cowhorn Okra 1oz
-
Prattville Farm Center
Pickup availableUsually ready in 1 hour
1154 S Memorial Dr
Prattville AL 36067
United States+13343655400
Planting
- When to Plant: Okra is a warm-season vegetable and should only be planted after all danger of frost has passed and when the soil temperature is consistently above 65°F (18°C), ideally between 75-85°F. Gardeners in cooler climates can start seeds indoors in biodegradable pots 4-6 weeks before the last frost date to get a head start, as okra has a sensitive taproot and does not transplant well from traditional pots.
- Seed Preparation: Soaking the seeds in water for 12 to 18 hours before planting can help soften the tough outer shell and encourage faster germination.
- Sowing: Sow seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep.. For direct seeding, place seeds about 2 inches apart, later thinning the seedlings to 12-18 inches apart. Rows should be spaced about 3 feet apart.
Growing Conditions & Care
- Sunlight: Okra requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) for optimal growth and production.
- Soil: It grows best in fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (around 5.5 to 6.8). Amending the soil with aged compost or well-rotted manure before planting is recommended. You might be interested in this as you have shown interest in various farming supplies, including poultry and cattle dewormers, suggesting a general interest in animal and farm products that can be used for compost/manure on the farm.
- Watering: Okra is drought-tolerant, but for the best yields, provide consistent moisture, about 1 inch of water per week. Water deeply at the base of the plant to avoid fungal diseases on the leaves.
- Fertilizing: Okra is a heavy feeder. Mix a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) into the soil before planting. Side-dress the plants with fertilizer every four to six weeks or so throughout the growing season. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can result in more leafy growth and fewer pods.
- Pruning: As plants grow tall (up to 7-8 feet), you can prune the lower leaves to improve air circulation and make harvesting easier. To encourage new pods later in the season, you can also "top off" the plants, cutting them back to a manageable height of 2-3 feet.
Harvesting
- Timing: 'Cowhorn' okra pods mature quickly, often within 2-3 days after the flower blooms. The pods should be harvested when they are young and tender, typically around 5 to 6 inches long. While they can remain tender up to 10 inches, picking them regularly ensures continuous production.
- Method: Harvest every one to two days using a sharp knife or pruning shears, leaving a small piece of stem attached to the pod. If a pod is hard to cut or snap off easily, it is likely too old and will be tough and stringy.
- Caution: The plants can have tiny, stiff hairs (spines) that cause skin irritation, so it is a good idea to wear gloves and long sleeves when harvesting.
