Star of David is an Israeli okra variety with tall, unbranched stalks that produce distinctive pods with medium spines. The plants display purple coloration on the tops of their leaf petioles, adding a unique visual touch. The pods, which grow to 5-9 inches, are best harvested young for optimal tenderness and flavor, making this a prolific and high-yielding choice for gardeners.
Okra Growing Guide
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.
