Abelmoschus esculentus No longer just for southern climates, our short-season okra varieties reward even cooler region gardeners with their unique fruit for gumbo, pickles, an alternative to peppers for rellenos, and ethnic Mediterranean and Indian dishes. Pretty enough to earn a place in your ornamental plantings, okra's stunning blooms reveal its relationship to hibiscus.

Days to maturity are calculated from transplant date.

Culture
• Okra is a heat-loving crop that needs stable temperatures above 65°F for best results
• Raised beds covered with plastic mulch help improve yields
• Cover plants with row cover to increase warmth and protect from pests until plants begin to bloom
• Apply 2 cups of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 10 row feet, and 1 inch of compost

Direct Sowing
• Soaking the seed in warm (110°F) water for 2 hours may help to soften the hard seed coat and hasten germination
• Space seed 4-6 inches apart, thin plants when they have two sets of true leaves

Transplanting
• Start indoors 3-5 weeks before anticipated transplant date in 3 or 4" pots
• See seed soaking directions above
• Incorporate 1/4 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer around each plant
• Transplant carefully to avoid transplant shock

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Cucumber beetles
• Insect control: Pyrethrin and row covers
• Common diseases: Verticillium & Fusarium wilt, and various fungal diseases
• Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation

Harvest & Storage
• Pods should be picked when about 3 inches long, usually about 4-6 days after flowering
• Harvest regularly to keep plants producing
• Store at 45-50°F and 90-95% relative humidity