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Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra)
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4 hours care
per year
per year
2.5m
Max height
Max height
2m
Max spread
Max spread
1-2 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Abelmoschus esculentus
Other names
Okra, Lady's fingers, Hibiscus esculentus, Bhendi, Gumbo
Genus
Abelmoschus 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
Habit
Clump-forming, Irregular, Tall, Upright
Toxicity
May cause skin irritation. Wear protective gloves/clothing during harvest.
Flower
Yellow in Summer
Foliage
Green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Ants , Aphids , Cabbage caterpillars , Cabbage whitefly , Flea beetles , Glasshouse whitefly , Red spider mite (box and other) Ants , Aphids , Cabbage caterpillars , Cabbage whitefly , Flea beetles , Glasshouse whitefly , Red spider mite (box and other)
Powdery mildew 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.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 2m after 1-2 years.
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.
Soil type
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
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Abelmoschus esculentus
Other names
Okra, Lady's fingers, Hibiscus esculentus, Bhendi, Gumbo
Genus
Abelmoschus 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.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Irregular, Tall, Upright
Toxicity
May cause skin irritation. Wear protective gloves/clothing during harvest.
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Colour
Flower
Yellow in Summer
Foliage
Green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Ants , Aphids , Cabbage caterpillars , Cabbage whitefly , Flea beetles , Glasshouse whitefly , Red spider mite (box and other)
Specific diseases
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.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 2m after 1-2 years.
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.
Soil type
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
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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