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If a cool night is coming, cover the crop with floating row cover during the day to retain heat.īe extra careful while placing seedlings in the ground. Once planted, okra prefers the temperature to be over 60º consistently. Northern growers can raise the soil temperature by laying black plastic over the planting location a month before planting out the seedlings. Okra seedlings enjoy a soil temperature that is at least 70º. The test results will give you an idea of what soil amendments to add, if any. To check the soil’s pH and fertility, get an inexpensive soil test. Okra also has moderate nutrient needs, so don’t go overboard on fertilizer.
OKRA SEEDLINGS FULL
Okra requires full sun and will grow best in soil with a pH that is close to neutral, which is 7.0, so anything from 6.0 to 8.0 will work. Whether planting seeds, store-bought seedlings or home-grown seedlings, space them 12 inches apart in soil that is well-draining and amended with lots of compost or organic matter. In southern climates, okra may be direct sown after the last possible frost date. By the end of this period the plants will be ready to receive a full day of direct sun. ” Put seedlings out for a short time on the first day - a half hour - and increase the time spent outdoors each day for a week to 10 days. Also, keep the seedlings under a grow light for eight hours a day so the plants don’t stretch out as they reach for light.īefore okra seedlings are planted outdoors, they should be gradually introduced to the sun in a process known as “ hardening off. Ensure the seed starting mix is warm enough by using a seedling heat mat with a thermostat. In soil that is between 70º and 95º Fahrenheit, the seeds should germinate in 5 to 14 days. Soak the seeds overnight in warm water to hasten germination then plant the seeds three-quarters of an inch deep in sterile seed starting mix. Okra can be started from seed indoors four to six weeks between the last possible frost date. Although it grows over a wide range - from zone 4 to 11 - don’t sow seeds outdoors or plant out seedlings until all risk of spring frost has passed. Okra is related to hibiscus but produces large edible pods as well as flowers.