okra
Also known as: okra; lady finger; gumbo
A deciduous perennial from tropical regions that is grown as an annual in temperate climates. It has hairy leaves deeply cut into 5-7 lobes and hibiscus-like pale yellow flowers to around 7cm wide with dark centres borne in summer and followed by edible, green seed pods
Scientific classification
- Species
- okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)
- Genus
- Abelmoschus
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Information to be completed
- Toxicity
- Annual Biennial · Herbaceous Perennial · Herbs - Culinary
- Plant type
- 1-1.5 metres
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Bushy
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn
- Season of interest
- Full sun
- Sunlight
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- Ideal temperature
okra pictures
Distribution of okra
Distribution map
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Culture
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Toxicity
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Quick identification of okra
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okra care guide
- Regular moderate watering, drain excess water to prevent root rot
- Watering
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Regular moderate watering, drain excess water to prevent root rot
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced vegetable liquid feed biweekly spring through summer
Pruning
PruningNo pruning required
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Growing
GrowingBest grown under glass or in a polytunnel but can be planted outside in a warm, sunny, sheltered position in a container or in the ground when soil temperature has risen to 15°C. See okra cultivation for further advice
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
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