Hill Country Red Okra Seed

Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)

• Timing: Sow okra seeds outdoors after the last frost date, once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F, typically in late spring.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Okra thrives in warm temperatures and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8–12 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Okra grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Planting Seeds:
  • Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours before planting to speed up germination.
  • Sow seeds 1/2–1 inch deep, spacing them 12–18 inches apart in rows.
  • Space rows 3–4 feet apart for proper airflow and ease of harvesting.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7–10 days. Once established, water deeply and consistently to promote healthy growth.

Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)

• Timing: Start okra seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last expected frost date for an earlier harvest.
• Containers: Use biodegradable pots or deep containers to minimize root disturbance during transplanting.
• Planting:
  • Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours before planting.
  • Sow seeds 1/2–1 inch deep, placing 1–2 seeds per pot.
  • Cover lightly with soil mix and water gently.
• Germination:
  • Maintain a temperature of 75–85°F for optimal germination.
  • Expect seedlings to emerge within 7–10 days.
• Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 70°F and plants are 4–6 inches tall. Space plants 12–18 inches apart in rows.

General Care Tips for Okra

• Sunlight: Provide full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Okra thrives in warm, sunny conditions.
• Watering: Water deeply and consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
• Fertilizing: Okra is a moderate feeder. Enrich the soil with compost at planting and side-dress with a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Mulching helps suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.
• Supporting Plants: Tall okra varieties may need staking, especially in windy areas, to prevent plants from toppling over.
• Harvesting: Harvest okra pods when they are 2–4 inches long, which is typically 50–60 days after planting. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut pods from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production.
• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for common pests like aphids or flea beetles. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.