American heirloom 1860's. Native to Ethiopia, Okra is eaten very frequently in Asia, Africa, parts of the US and the Middle East. Also known as Gumbo, bamia, bhindi, it is a member of the Mallow family. Its thin ribbed medium green pods with a pointy shape, add body to soup, sauces or can be cooked alone. Try okra in a coriander and garlic tomato sauce and you will not look back. .
Scientific Name: Abelmoschus esculentus
Plant Life Cycle: annual
Optimal Germination Temperature: 24C
Germination time in days: 7-15 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 90 Days
Sunlight: full sun
Soil requirement: Fertile and well drained soils are essential along with a good regular supply of water and plenty of sun
Sowing and cultivation: Start indoors 4-5 weeks before last frost. Sow 1/2" deep. Keep soil temperature above 24C. Transplant in polytunnel when first true sets of leaves have appeared . Space plants 12-18" apart.
