Clemson Spineless Okra

Thank you for meeting with me at the AAHQ Green Thumb Gardening Chat!

Below are the instructions for planting and caring for your okra seed.

Timing and Location:

Planting Time: Plant okra in the spring or early summer after the danger of frost has passed.
Soil Temperature: Okra thrives in warm soil, so ensure the soil temperature is at least 70°F (21°C) for direct sowing.
Sunlight: Okra needs full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
Soil: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0.

Planting Methods:

Direct Seeding:
- Soak seeds overnight to encourage faster germination.
- Sow 2-3 seeds per planting hole, 1/2 inch deep, and 3-6 inches apart.
- Thin to one plant per hole when seedlings are a few inches tall, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart.
Transplanting:
- Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date.
- Use deep pots to accommodate the long taproots.
- Provide even moisture, strong light, and good ventilation.
- Acclimatize seedlings to outdoor conditions gradually before transplanting.
- Plant seedlings in the garden when they are 3-4 inches tall, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.

Care:

Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
Fertilizing: Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
Weeding: Remove weeds regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
Harvesting: Harvest pods when they are 3-4 inches long, before they become tough and woody.

Tips:

Succession Planting: Plant okra in succession (every 2-3 weeks) to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
Companion Planting: Okra can be grown near other full-sun crops like melons, cucumbers, and eggplants.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor plants for pests and diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.

Okra has always been a part of our dinner table. My grandmother cooked it with tomatoes, corn, and hotlinks. My father would add shrimp to his. My Indian friends introduced me to fried okra with curry and my life was changed. So it was a given that we would grow it in our garden. I’ve grown red okra that turns green when you cook it—it tastes the same! I hope you’ll plant and care for your okra plant and create a wonderful meal for your family or friends. Oh, and pro tip…to cut the sliminess that deters many, cook with a bit of red wine or red wine vinegar!