Okra (Ladies Finger)
Tamil Name: Vendakkai; Scientific Name: Abelmoschus esculentus;
Planting/Sowing
Feb; Jun – Aug;
Harvesting
Mar; Jun – Sep;
First Harvest
~45 Days
General Info
| Crop category | Vegetable |
| Life span | Perennial |
| Type of crop | Bush |
| Part(s) of the crop to harvest | Pod |
| Avg. Height | 3 – 6 feet |
Climate & Humidity
Ladies Finger grows best in regions with temperatures consistently above 30°C.
Planting / Sowing
When to plant / sow seeds (ideal season):
February; June to August;
How to plant:
Direct sowing;
Soil Depth & Spacing Requirements
Sow 3 seeds per hole at 2 cm depth. Spacing should be 45 cm between rows and 30 cms between plants. After germination, maintain 2 healthy seedlings per hole.
NOTE: Please go through the Guides in the Knowledge Base for more details on topics ranging from Spacing & Lighting to Soil and Nutrients.
Irrigation
Irrigation to be done immediately after sowing. Further weekly irrigation depending upon soil moisture.
NOTE: Irrigation should depend on how moist / wet the soil is. Check your plants everyday to see if they require irrigation or not. Check the Watering & Irrigation guide for more info.
Harvesting
When to harvest
Harvest 45 days after germination typically. Harvest pods at least every other day; if pods ripen the plant will stop producing.
How to harvest
Pick pods when they are 2 to 4 inches long; they will be less sticky.
NOTE: Harvest periods can vary depending on environmental, climatic, and soil conditions.
Pests & Diseases
| Pests | Fruit borer, Whilte fly, Aphid, Leaf hopper, Mealy bug, Shoot and fruit borer, Bhendi fruit borer |
| Common Diseases/ Problems | Powdery mildew, Yellow vein mosaic, Leaf spot |
| Pest and Disease prevention measure(s) | Keep the garden clean and free of debris; remove and dispose of infected plants. |
NOTE: Read Pest & Disease Control for more information.
Did you know?
You can make a coffee substitute from dried and roasted okra seeds! [Learn How]
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