Water Needs: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the flowering and pod development stages. Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging, as okra prefers well-drained soil.
Sunlight Needs: Full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Okra thrives in warm, sunny conditions and requires plenty of sunlight for optimal growth.
Time to Germinate: 7-14 days.
Seed Soaking: Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination rates, as okra seeds have a tough outer shell.
Tray/Pot Recommendations: Okra seeds can be started directly in the garden or in large pots with good drainage. If starting indoors, transplant seedlings once they have 2-3 true leaves and the weather is warm. Use pots at least 30 centimeters deep if growing in containers.
Space Requirements: Space plants 30-45 centimeters apart in rows 60-90 centimeters apart to provide ample room for growth and airflow. Okra plants can grow tall, so ensure enough space for them to develop properly.
Temperature Requirements: Optimal growing temperatures range from 24-32°C. Okra is a heat-loving plant and performs best in warm to hot conditions.
Best Growing Season: In Thailand, Okra can be grown year-round, with the best yields during the warmer months from March to September.
Time to Harvest: 50-60 days from planting. Harvest pods when they are 10-12 centimeters long and tender. Regular harvesting encourages continuous pod production throughout the growing season.