To save the okra for seeds, it’s best to allow the okra to dry naturally on the plant, but you can also pick the okra and store it until the seeds dry out.
Can you save seeds from fresh okra?
Since no fleshy vegetable matter clings to the seeds, you don’t need to wash them. Instead, dry the seeds in the open air for a few days, then store them in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Although some okra seeds can remain viable for up to four years, many do not.
How do you plant green okra seeds?
Sow the seeds one inch deep in rows that are three feet apart. The seeds generally germinate in two to 12 days. Okra will grow in many soil types, so mulch and fertilize as needed. Once the plants start to grow, thin them so they are spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
What color should okra seeds be?
Always select fresh and green young okra pods, because they tend to be the most tender and easiest to cook. Larger okra pods may be overmature and tough with brown seeds inside. A fresh okra pod will have white seeds hidden within it. Avoid buying okra that looks brown, shriveled, dry or decayed.
Can you plant the seeds from okra?
You can sow okra seeds straight from the packet, but to improve the seed germination rate, first soak them in water for a few hours. Rake your soil to a fine tilth before planting your seeds. ‘Okra does well in poor soil, even with lots of clay provided it drains,’ says Jemison.
Will old okra seeds germinate?
Yes! Even seeds that are thousands of years old can germinate. But proper pre-treatment is essential, and the older the seed, the less energy it has left in storage. Seeds from annual plants aren’t often designed to last many years, part of what makes the germination process so tricky.
What can you not plant near okra?
Bad Companions for Okra
Most gardeners think of nematodes as beneficial for the garden. But they’re detrimental to okra because these tiny creatures like to feed on the young roots of okra plants. Nematode presence can be increased in soil used to grow certain vine crops, like sweet potatoes or squash.
How many okra will one plant produce?
How much okra can you get from one plant? If your okra plants have ideal conditions, they can produce 20 – 30+ pods per plant. In a warmer hardiness zone such as zone 9b, you will have a longer growing season, into the fall or longer. Okra is a good choice for fall and winter vegetable gardens in some areas.
What is the lifespan of okra plant?
about 120 days
The average okra plant lifespan is about 120 days.
What is the difference between red and green okra?
Does Red kind of Okra Really Taste Different from the Green? Nope… not really. The flavor is generally mild and the greatest variation between varieties is pod length. There’s not much different between red and green okra other than color!
Why did my okra seeds turn black?
Some okra seeds turn brown or black when it is getting more mature (like watermelon), where other varieties stay lighter colored. The color has nothing to do with the edibility of the okra, although more mature okra pods tend to get tougher with age.
How long can you keep okra seeds?
1-3 years
Storage and Viability
Store okra seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place protected from pests. When stored in these conditions, okra seeds will remain viable for 1-3 years.
How long does it take okra to grow from seed?
Outdoor Seed Germination
Okra requires at least 55 days from planting to produce mature pods. If you plant directly in the ground, sow the seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart in a row, setting the rows 36 inches apart. Okra needs well-drained soil and a full six to eight hours of daily sunlight.
How do you propagate okra seeds?
Use fresh seed soaked overnight or nick each seed coat with a file to encourage germination. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in light soil and 1 inch deep in heavy soil; spacing is 3 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Thin seedlings to 18 to 24 inches apart, always choosing the strongest of the young plants.
How do you dry okra naturally?
Store the full okra pods in a cool, dark place to allow them to dry. Use a food drying rack if you have one, or place a clean towel on a baking pan. Arrange the okra in a single layer and store them in a pantry, laundry room, or another place that is away from sunlight. Check on the okra daily for up to 10 days.
Can you dry okra in the sun?
Sun-Dried Okra
Lay the pods, cut side up, on your trays. Cover with a screen (or get a solar dehydrator that comes with screens) to keep the bugs away. Sun-dried okra takes 3-7 days, depending on your climate. The best days for solar drying are very sunny, warm, and breezy days with low humidity.
Does okra grow back next year?
When planting okra in more temperate climates, this perennial plant becomes an annual and must be replanted each year. To plant okra it is best to soak the seeds overnight to improve germination. It is typical to soak seeds in water; however some do use buttermilk or a weak vinegar.
How do you know if okra seeds are viable?
Water test: Take your seeds and put them in a container of water. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. Then if the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, they most likely will not sprout.
How do you know if a seed is still viable?
Take the seeds and place them in a container of water. Let the seeds sit for 15 minutes. If the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, discard, because they probably will not sprout.
How many seeds does okra make per hole?
two to three seeds
How Many Okra Seeds to Sow Per Hole. Place your okra seeds about one to one and a half inches deep. Okra seeds are nice and large, which makes them easy to sow. Place two to three seeds per hole (you’ll pick the strongest seedling later and thin the others, if needed).
Can tomatoes and okra be planted together?
Another plant you can grow alongside okra is tomatoes. When companion planted, tomatoes act as a trap crop, luring stink bugs away from okra plants. Beyond fruits and vegetables to pair with okra plants, flowers can be a great option to increase pollination in the area.