Okra, essentially a tropical vegetable, can also be grown in more northern gardens as well. However, the tall annual plant known botanically as Abelmoschus esculentus, can produce two harvests in the southern climates where it grows best. Making sure that all threat of frost is gone and that the soil has thoroughly warmed, okra can be ready to harvest in about two months.
Gumbo, as it is also called in the southern United States, needs rich, well-drained soil and full sunlight in order to thrive. It’s neutral or slightly alkaline, so sandy loam is preferred. Place seeds three to four inches apart and cover with one to two inches of soil. In warm dry weather seeds will germinate in a few days. After seedlings become established, thin them to allow 15 inches between plants. Rows should be at least three to five feet apart. When beginning to mature, pods should be harvested daily to ensure continuous production. Pods are best harvested while still young and tender (one to four inches long) to provide the best culinary fruits. Okra is drought-resistant and is not prone to attack from many insects. But be on the lookout for bollworms and stinkbugs which will sometimes invade the plants late in the season.