Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra)
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Advanced skill rating |
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2m max. spread |
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2.5m max. height |
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1-2 years to maturity |
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4 hours care per year |
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This plant is toxic! |
Botanical name: Abelmoschus esculentus
Other names: Okra, Lady's fingers, Hibiscus esculentus, Bhendi, Gumbo
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Genus: Abelmoschus
Species: A. esculentus - A. esculentus is a perennial plant widely cultivated as an annual with heart-shaped, bright green leaves, large yellow flowers and slender, edible, green seed pods.
Abelmoschus esculentus is: Deciduous
Flower: Yellow in Summer
Foliage: Green in Summer
Fruit: Green in Summer
Habit: Clump-forming, Irregular, Tall, Upright
Toxicity: May cause skin irritation. Wear protective gloves/clothing during harvest.
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Watch out for
Specific pests: Ants , Aphids , Cabbage caterpillars , Cabbage whitefly , Flea beetles , Glasshouse whitefly , Red spider mite (box and other)
Specific diseases: Powdery mildew
General care
Pruning: Harvest when young pods are no more than 10cm - larger pods tend to be tough and stringy. Cut the pod stems close to the main stem. In frost-free areas, cut back to the base after harvesting to encourage a second production of pods.. REGISTER to read more...
Propagation methods: Seed. REGISTER to read more...
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Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 2m after 1-2 years.
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Suggested uses: Add to salads, Beds and borders, Flavouring food and drinks, Greenhouse
Cultivation: Plant in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained, slightly acidic to alkaline soil in full sun. Sow seed indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost or outdoors when soil is warm. In the growing season, apply mulch and fertilise every few weeks.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) |  |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | |
| Light: | Full Sun | |
| Aspect: | South, West | |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | |
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