"Abelmoschus esculentus: Okra is an indispensable ingredient in many soups, gumbos, and stew recipes. The immature pods contribute unique flavor and consistency to ethnic dishes like Cajun gumbo. New quick-to-mature varieties make okra a great addition to the short season garden.

CULTURE:Okra is a tender annual that grows best in hot weather. Seed can be directly sown into warm soil, or started indoors 3-4 weeks prior to your last frost for earlier crops. Sow the large seed 1/4 inch deep into 3-inch pots. Keep evenly moist and at 70-90°F. Germination is in 7-15 days. Soaking the seed in warm (110°F) water for 1 hour may help to soften the hard seed coat and hasten germination. Transplant out after the danger of frost, 12-18 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows. Incorporate 1/2 cup of our complete fertilizer into the soil around each plant at transplanting. The use of silver mulch and row covers will improve growth.
INSECTS: Flea beetles can be controlled with row covers or applications of Rotenone or Rotenone-Pyrethrin.
DISEASES: Okra is susceptible to Verticillium, Fusarium, and several fungal diseases in wet weather. These can be controlled with proper rotation and good garden sanitation practices.
HARVEST: The pods should be picked when tender and immature, about 2-3 inches long, usually about 4-6 days after flowering. Keep pods removed to encourage flowering. Store at 35°F at 95% relative humidity.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 65%. Days to maturity are calculated from date of transplant. Usual seed life: 2 years. Approximately 14-17 seeds per gram, 28 grams per ounce.
Sampler: 1 gram
Packet: 4 grams "

   Open Pollinated