Okra, the cultivation of which cannot be called very difficult, has a number of useful properties, thanks to which many people think about growing it in their dachas and household plots. In fact, this plant is an edible hibiscus and is an excellent food product. From it you can cook mashed potatoes, salads or soups. It is very suitable for those people who suffer from intestinal diseases. Dry okra seeds are often used as a coffee substitute. It has the greatest distribution on the American and African continent. As for appearance, this herbaceous plant is distinguished by yellow flowers and fruits in the form of pods. Its stem is thick, and the root has virtually no branches. The height of the okra ranges from 0.3 to 2.5 meters, depending on the variety.
The first thing to remember when deciding to start a plant like okra is to grow it with a lot of moisture, light and heat. As for the soil, it must be fertile, and humus and compost are perfect for cultivating it. She will die in saline, swampy or clay soils. For a crop such as okra, the cultivation of which requires a lot of light, it is better to choose sunny areas protected from the north winds. The ideal temperature for seed germination is from 13 to 15 degrees, and for the plant itself - 20-25 degrees. We must not forget that to touch okra without gloves is extremely undesirable, because for many it can cause allergies, which manifests itself in the form of irritation and burning of the skin.
Now let's talk about leaving. The first thing to do to get a plant like okra on your site is to buy seedlings. Young plants are planted in individual containers in the second half of April, because their growth takes up to 150 days. In open soil, the plant replants at the age of about one month. However, seeds can also be planted immediately in the ground, however, it should be done much later - at least at the end of May. Before this, the seeds are soaked for several hours to ensure their swelling. Planting of seeds is carried out to a depth of about five centimeters, despite the fact that between the holes should be at least half a meter of free space.
Seed germination lasts up to five years, and they usually germinate after a few weeks. Two months after planting, flowering starts. In no case should you postpone the collection of fruits, since after about five days they become coarse and inedible. Cut okra is better with scissors.
Okra: growing and caring
It is very important to pinch the plants in a timely manner. This is done when the okra reaches a height of 30 cm. The procedure allows you to speed up the process of the appearance of fruits. In order to collect seeds, the fruits must be kept on the bushes until dry. Like any other culture, okra can be damaged by pests. For prevention, it is recommended to treat it with insecticides.
If you follow all these simple tips, then the site will certainly be decorated with such a beautiful plant as okra (photos of flowering and fruit-bearing specimens are presented in the article).