You do n’t need a huge chiliad to get your own okra at rest home .
Unless you ’re doing some serious commercial-grade husbandry , any gardener can raise a few Abelmoschus esculentus plants that produce stack of harvest inside a plantation owner .
The nice part about grow okra plant in a container rather than sowing directly into the soil is that you’re able to move it around .
If it ’s too hot , cold , not enough sun , too small sunlight- it does n’t matter . you may switch the position to optimize yield . It does n’t get any loose .
Plus , okra does n’t require much quad in the first place . So it ’s a good choice for container planting .
allow ’s get started .
Guide Contents
Can you grow okra in a potter?
Yes , you may . Okra is n’t greedy . you could even engraft multiple Hibiscus esculentus plant inside a single container .
Okra can be used for cooking or leave as a decorative flora .
Does okra grow well in containers?
While nothing beat land planting , container - grown Hibiscus esculentus will still produce plenty of payoff .
calculate on the type of okra you ’re implant , you may fit multiple dwarf types in a exclusive 5 - gallon container .
If you require all twelvemonth yield , try chronological sequence planting or using multiple plants .
Or multiple containers . Or both . It ’s really up to your needs .
Types of okra
First , you need to choose the case of gumbo you desire to mature .
This is important because if you choose the haywire one , it may not produce optimum proceeds .
If you have special space , you should cull something that ’s a dwarf mixed bag .
In this case , “ dwarf ” okra are ones that max out at about 5 understructure in height .
This is ideal for modest containers so you do n’t stifle it because of circumscribed planter space .
Check out these dwarf okra types which are complete for container growing :
How to propagate okra in a container
Propagating Hibiscus esculentus from seed is easy .
Once you ’ve pick out the right case of okra you need to set , get the source from the local glasshouse or online .
Next , it ’s time to prep the pot . The type of planter you use is just as important as the case of okra you ’re growing .
The cheap method acting is to just get a shaping container with a few good drainage holes .
Other containers are expensive but offer up a nicer look . If you do n’t care about the looks of it , then plastic all the way .
The right time to plant
Okra is a strong , summer - fuck plant . It does n’t like the cold .
You should clock your planting so that the risk of the frost is completely gone before you sow in .
Check yourlocal zonefor the frost date if you do n’t hump them as they ’re easy to find out .
plant life after this particular date , but not too previous or else they may not be harvest ready and the downfall is already here .
The out-of-door temperature should be around 60F before you sow .
Zones 9 or higher can have okra plant thriving all season , as it does n’t get stale enough to harm them , so congrats !
Okra natively grow in tropic zones . So keep this in idea when you ’re ask yourself “ When should you plant Abelmoschus esculentus ? ”
If you ’re in the north or colder hardiness zone , then it matters . await until temperatures pick up in June to start sowing your seed .
Choosing the planter
Here are some formula for take the container size :
This allows you to put multiple okra plant within one pot . The profundity of the container should be the same as the diameter .
Using ceramic containers or corpse pots are excellent choices if you’re able to open them . They ’re pricier , but they trammel heat which can insulate the base of the gumbo origin .
Okra is a high temperature - loving plant , so the ceramic will hold the heat throughout the cold of the night . Plastic works if it ’s a darker spectre . Brick or gem are also right choice and look secure .
Whatever cloth or planter size you pick , verify there are sight of drain holes on the bottom . Some require drilling . There should be multiple drain golf hole on the bottom of the potful .
Consider using a plant curler pedestal so it can enfeeble efficiently and ready moving it around easier .
Okra has burnished , gorgeous flowers to show off as well , so you could use it for feeding or interior decoration .
blame your pick . Or do both . This is why okra is so awful and versatile . It ’s not just an edible plant . It ’s more than that !
Prepping the pot
Fill the container with a high - quality potting mix .
It should be copious in constitutive subject to assist your lady’s-finger thrive . Consider lining the planter with some pebble or gravel .
This prevents clopping of the soil .
The filth require to be well - drain , there ’s no way around this requisite . If you prefer a poor - quality soil , the lady’s-finger will put up and may not even germinate .
Or it can either shortly after germination . The dirt should be clump - free , full of constituent nutrient , and soft . utilise loamy territory with plenty of compost or manure mixed in .
This will course your okra and bring through yourself from adding plant solid food afterwards on .
The soil should have flock of organic compost or manure to course the Abelmoschus esculentus seedlings . Aim for a pH of 6.0 - 7.0 , so it ’s somewhat acidic .
you may limestone to facilitate bring the pH scale lower if needed . Some okra will grow up to pH levels of 8.0 , so it ’s not gon na make or break out your harvesting .
Do n’t use topsoil or garden grease . Use a potting mixture only .
These are specially formulated for pots and drain well compared to garden dirt , which has a low drainage efficiency .
Yes , topsoil may be tinny . But you ’re putting yourself at a disadvantage from the start by go the gaudy route . It ’s only a few bucks more . Do it right .
Also , if you ’re farm organic Hibiscus esculentus , you need to use organic soil , fertilizer , etc . This is self - explanatory .
Sowing okra seeds
Next , you ’re ready to plant !
Get your seeds then gently insert them into the filth about 12 inch aside . A orbitual pattern works well .
If you have a square or windowpane planter , you could sow in rows .
Use your digit to push each seed about half an column inch into the territory . No motive to go disturbed .
You ’re done .
sprouting time diverge , but you should expect pods to show up within 2 months of planting .
To see actual seedings , it only take 1 - 2 calendar week if filth conditions / temperature is right .
keep off using starter outfit if you’re able to . You know , those kits that come up with a crowd of compartment to set out your source .
Unless they ’re biodegradable , skip them .
Why does biodegradability matter ?
It ’s ripe for the worldly concern .
But even more convenient , it lets you just plant the container itself into the plantation owner later on .
Okra does NOT like to be moved around later after it ’s developed some root .
So either imbed it in its lasting positioning , or use a biodegradable ejaculate starter outfit . you could offend it from transplant shock by run it . It hates that .
The root are extensive and thick , so once they shack down , they ai n’t moving .
Water generously
The first time you sow , give them a good lachrymation with a watering can .
Do n’t practice a hose because it can disturb the stain mix and free your seeded player .
Water it a scrap more than usual so you may establish filth water nerve tract where it can drain .
condition for proper drain on the bottom of the container . Water deep and completely .
Keep it warm
Keep the temperatures above 60F during sprouting .
It should sprout within 2 weeks if the soil is affectionate .
If you ask a cold dip , move the plantation owner to somewhere with shelter to keep it warm . It does n’t like the low temperature .
Choosing a location
Put the planter in verbatim sunlight .
Okra fares well when it has at least 8 time of day of direct , undimmed light per day . This does n’t mean trickle or partial Dominicus .
This means directly in the sun .
If you ’re in the right hardiness zone , plant in full sun .
For warm zone with scorching - hot summers , use fond sunshine or put the okra kitty somewhere with fewer hours of sun per day .
How to grow okra in containers
Here are some universal road map you’re able to habituate to help you get the most out of your okra .
Hardiness zone
Okra grows in USDA hardiness zone 2 - 11 , so it ’s relatively versatile and can be grown all over the US if term are correct .
It ’s a seasonal blooming plant that does well in warmer neighborhood .
Even if you ’re not in the correct zona , it ’s OK .
Some mulch can help insulate temperatures that are below 40F or temperature that are too high .
Sunny neighborhood can use partial shadowiness to stop plant life burning .
Container size
Okra will grow in most containers that are at least 12 in deep and 12 inches all-embracing per plant .
Each okra postulate about 12 inch of space so you could judge that a unmarried 3 - Imperial gallon container will only harbour about 2 - 3 okra .
A 5 - Imperial gallon container will keep back 4 - 5 okra works .
Temperature
Okra is a warm - weather works .
If you ’re situated somewhere where the temperature regularly dip below 55F at night , put a layer of mulch to serve isolate it at night .
Daytime temperature should be ardent , but not live .
The ideal temperature kitchen stove is between 60 - 80F.
Warmer temperatures will goad flying yield growth . Okra thrives in the semitropics by nature , so it likes eminent humidity with warmer temperature .
Humidity
Humidity should be moderate .
you’re able to expect it to be somewhat higher because it always needs to be moist , but never pixilated . high-pitched humidity can lead to fungus , decompose , and other mould problems . particularly with dense leaves . So keep it clear !
Sunlight
direct for at least 8 hours of direct sun per twenty-four hour period .
This will help oneself encourage your Hibiscus esculentus to produce the most seedcase potential .
Do n’t use separate out sunlight unless it ’s spicy in your field . Direct sun is recommended for most hardiness zones .
Watering
Use a body of water meter to be precise .
Otherwise , utilise your finger to check out if the first few column inch of soil are moist . Aim for 1 - 2 inch of urine per calendar week . Do n’t water if it rain , and water more if it ’s especially dry .
Fertilizer
Okra needs plenty of organic subject to help feed itself .
You should ’ve used compost or manure when you first prepared your planter .
If you find that your okra is n’t growing correctly ( break blooms , yellow flowers , wilting ) , you’re able to add land fertilizer to help provide extra nutrients .
Use as directed . Use before the grow time of year and during it .
Balanced flora nutrient works when the okra is about 5 in marvellous .
Use a fertiliser with an NPK of 6 - 12 - 12 to assist promote more fruiting than leaf increment .
Nitrogen will grow leaves , not victuals . So minimize it .
Pruning
Pruning is n’t necessary for okra unless the foliage is going crazy .
If you have too many leaves , but not enough flowers , it ’s a mark of excess nitrogen . slim plant life alimentation or swop to a modest - atomic number 7 eccentric .
Prune off spent flower or deadhead them .
Okra originate icteric or blank flowers and bring forth pods before they produce fruit . you may use this to severalise when it ’s about time to collect your rewards !
Okra is predictable , so it ’s gentle to grow .
hone for beginners .
Mulching
Put a layer of mulch to help keep on soil moisture , keep weeds out , insulate the grunge , and allow a layer of food . There ’s no drawback to using mulch , so use it !
Harvesting
Around the 60 mean solar day mark , you could go check for blooms .
This means that your okra is about to be quick for harvest time . You do n’t want to wait for the complete time to reap .
Okra is a cutting and get along again imbed , so you’re able to harvest daily if you require to . The blossom contain both manlike and distaff portion so they ’re ego - fecundate .
They also self - pollinate , so that ’s nothing to worry about .
Once you see a flower appear , you’re able to await fruit in about a workweek .
Pick the fruit pods when they ’re diffuse .
wait until they become firm will make them concentrated to jaw . palpate them by give them a squeeze .
Generally , pods are ready for harvest when they ’re at least 3 inch in length . seedcase show up at the foundation of the plant and will grow upward .
finally , you ’ll take in them from the top of your plant .
expend a sterilized pair of pruners to cut the pods off the okra .
Storage
Okra only lasts a few day in the fridge when you cut it apart .
you may put it into a container and then store it for 1 - 2 twenty-four hour period at most .
So only harvest when you need it .
Collecting seeds
seed can be collected and salvage for next season . After you ’ve planted in the spring and it ’s done growing , the prime will produce pods .
Okra is self - pollinating and insects can help increase the output .
Some gumbo may crossbreed with other varieties if you have multiple ones planted in the same surface area .
If a bug have a bun in the oven pollen from some other gumbo plant and brings it to your okra , then you ’ll get crossbreeds that are n’t true to the original .
So be wary of that if it matter . If you require all your gumbo to be the same type , only set a single type in your garden .
The seminal fluid can be harvested when it produces seed pods . Pick the cod when they ’re about 5 inch long and keep them somewhere safe .
The pod need to be left alone for a few calendar week after they show up so they can grow as big as possible . This mean more seeds .
Also , water your gumbo . This serve increase the semen proceeds .
For collating , cut the pods off with a clean pair of your favorite garden pruners .
sterilise them first by using rubbing alcoholic beverage . Then come out cutting them off by the base . The seeds are inside .
Let the semen seedpod dry for a few days so they ’re not tight . You do n’t wash them or anything . Just let them be .
Get a trough and split the pods . The seeds will settle out if you just gently sweep them out .
Put the seeds in an envelope out of sunlight . congrats . You ’ve successfully take in okra seeds ! Save them so you could play again next season !
Caring for okra
Okra is easy to wish for and does n’t require a lot of maintenance .
Here are some fast tips to get your okra to bring on more fruit .
Does okra require a lot of water?
Okra plant ask moist grime that ’s never dry .
Do n’t let it dry out between waterings and always keep it moist . But do n’t overdo it . turn Abelmoschus esculentus in a container will require special pee overgrow it in your garden .
But that does n’t mean it should be soaked and deluge with water . Get on a schedule and water on a regular basis .
Water 1 - 2 inch per calendar week . If it rains , water system less . If it ’s hot , water more .
Use common sense . More water is needed when the plant begins to flower .
Reduce watering at the end of the time of year . you may monitor soil levels by using a soil metre . Water completely .
How many okra plants per container?
you’re able to plant several okra plants per container .
It really bet on the type of okra you ’re originate
A simple 5 - gallon pail can house 2 - 3 gumbo industrial plant without any trouble . If you ’re await to grow more , get a large container . bring home the bacon at least 12 inches of space between each plant . The container size is the determining variable .
How to make okra produce moreyield?
If your okra is n’t produce a lot of yield , you could force it to raise more by employ these easy guidelines :
How to grow okra indoors
grow okra indoors is potential , but not ideal .
Unless you have a brawny grow light that can provide continuous sunlight for 8 hour a day , okra will develop the most outside .
If you ’re growing indoors inside a container , you may get smaller production or few blooms .
It ’s by all odds potential , but you need to use a strong grow light source or direct it near a bright , unfiltered window for the sunlight requirement .
Otherwise , okra has no other second-stringer . it ’s just the clean necessary that ’s difficult to fulfill .
Companion plants
Okra should be implant alone if grow in containers .
This will serve eliminate competition between the case-by-case plants . If you contrive to transplant it later to the land , consider adding some companion works to facilitate your okra benefit .
Here are some of the most democratic companion plants to institute with Abelmoschus esculentus :
What not to plant near okra
Okra does have a few plant you should n’t engraft next to it .
If you ’re container institute you should only stick with okra plant anyway .
But if you ’re planning to move it to your garden , here are some plants to nullify establish with lady’s-finger :
How many okras can one plant produce?
A unmarried lady’s-finger flora can bring on up to 30 pods per plant .
This is in idealistic status , like perfect dirt preferences , sunlight , lachrymation , etc .
When plant in a container , you could expect lower yield just because container planting is limited .
It does n’t have as much room to grow , the environment is n’t gratuitous - flowing , there are special nutrients , plant food , and water .
However , you may always produce multiple plant Abelmoschus esculentus or move them to the soil if you want .
Enjoy your okra
If you learn this whole guide through , you should now know all the rudiments of originate this versatile fruit in your favorite container !
With okra ’s variety of uses , you may engraft it in an idealistic location outside since you jazz the might of mobility through a plantation owner .
I ’ve always been interested in horticulture , but I never took it seriously until I was forcefully empower an orchid . This was what got me into the spare-time activity and I ’ve never looked back . I enjoy writing about it , but not near as much as fix into the dirt and sculpture the consummate ornamental ornamental to enjoy for the times .
