Okra

[Yasai]

Hi

Are there any okra fans amongst us? I've found some very old threads but nothing recent. Has anyone had success growing these outdoors? All it took was a throw away comment from a friend about how they'd like to try growing okra and now I'm obsessed with the idea. I have no available space what-so-everrrr so it'll probably have to wait 'til next year... nothing wrong with planning ahead though, eh!?

[Moopmoop]

I'm embarrassed to say that I've had okra seeds for approx. 2 years and never gotten around to sowing them. I got them on a whim then I think I read somewhere that they were pretty slimy and that totally put me off wanting to grow them. I guess since I have the seeds I may as well give it a bash so I'll be watching this thread with interest.

[veggiechicken]

I've tried growing them several times...................but failed to get a single okra
Now that you've mentioned them I may have to have another try!

[Yasai]

I think you should both give it a try too. I'm right behind you...well... a year behind you

[veggiechicken]

I'll add it to the pile of "funny" things that I've set aside to grow - achocha, kiwano, cucamelons, pepinos, West Indian gherkins, Armenian Yard Long Cukes and Kheera. Goodness knows where I'll grow them on if they all germinate

[Guest]

It is my first year growing them. Only sowed some a couple of days ago, so nothing to help you at the moment

[Alison]

They are supposed to be easy to germinate but hard to get a crop from. I suspect outside that will be even harder but suppose it depends on location and year.

[Yasai]

I'm embarrassed to say that I've had okra seeds for approx. 2 years and never gotten around to sowing them. I got them on a whim then I think I read somewhere that they were pretty slimy and that totally put me off wanting to grow them. I guess since I have the seeds I may as well give it a bash so I'll be watching this thread with interest.

What variety are you going to grow?

[Yasai]

I've tried growing them several times...................but failed to get a single okra
Now that you've mentioned them I may have to have another try!

Do you know what varieties you tried?

[Yasai]

It is my first year growing them. Only sowed some a couple of days ago, so nothing to help you at the moment

Which variety are you growing Norfolkgrey? Do keep us posted...

[Guest]

Which variety are you growing Norfolkgrey? Do keep us posted...

I don't know the variety. I got them from the VSP. There was a challenge on allotment challenge (yes before anyone goes off and says how they love/hate that program ) and someone on there grew theirs outside.

[Yasai]

There was a challenge on allotment challenge (yes before anyone goes off and says how they love/hate that program ) and someone on there grew theirs outside.

Really? Trust me to miss that episode. No doubt it'll soon get repeated. Thanks.

[Moopmoop]

I think mine are spineless Clemson, although they aren't to hand right now. What type do you have?

[BertieFox]

Okra are one of those things which are easy to germinate and get reasonably looking plants, but then they bolt and produce a flower and an 'okra' very prematurely. I have never managed, even in the greenhouse, ever to get more than one pod, and once I have picked it, the plant has expired. I have tried inside and out, and we live in a better climate than most of the UK.

If anyone here HAS succeeded with okra, I too would love to know how, as I love the taste of it.

I meant to add, they are of course a sub tropical hibiscus, and probably need similar treatment. I once grew Hibiscus manihot which has okra like pods which are supposed to be edible, with great success, but unfortunately they were stringy and inedible when I tried. If only okra had the same vigour as Hibiscus manihot, we could all grow them.

[Elfeda]

donno how happy I felt to see the interest/thread about okra this time on vine.

I have around 25 to 30 pots okra germinated ( 2 indian types). and now this week I have ordered all available okra from kings seeds and 'moreveg'?

try few of these new order this year and keep some for next year.

am lil bit concerned to grow any thing under glass or normal polytunnels. as it neeeds lots of watering. thinking of putting up narrow hoops tunnels with cover and put down the plants making 2 rows in the boarders inside the cover.tha way plants get all the rain water(?), and also they stay inside the cover.. has anyone tried with this approach with any veg??? I would love to hear suggetions/pros/cons..