The Latest Okra Planting Techniques and Methods Tutorial

Okra, also known as yellow okra, is rich in various nutrients beneficial to the human body and has long been praised as the king of vegetables. It has a wide range of uses, being both edible and medicinal. It is not native to our country, but it is widely planted and cultivated in China, so how should we grow it? Below, Qinnong Web brings you its planting methods and techniques.

1. Sowing and raising seedlings

Propagation is commonly done by sowing, and sowing is carried out in April. Choose deep, loose, and fertile soil for sowing. Okra seeds have strong self-sowing ability. After sowing, cover with 2cm of soil, and they will sprout in about one week.

Before sowing, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. After soaking, place them in an environment of about 25-30 degrees for germination. When sowing, sow two to three seeds per spot. When the seedlings grow to have three or four leaves, they can be transplanted.

2. Field management

Okra has an extremely developed root system and also has a strong ability to absorb nutrients, but when the plant grows to about 50cm, its growth is vigorous, and it needs to be fertilized immediately once to ensure its nutrient supply. Okra is highly drought-tolerant. During normal periods, watering once a week is enough. In summer high temperatures, the soil needs to be kept moist. Too much accumulated water easily causes root rot, so watering should be controlled, and in rainy seasons, drainage should be done in time. To ensure the amount of fruiting, remove excess side branches in time to reduce nutrient consumption. After picking the fruit, cut off old leaves and diseased branches to increase ventilation and reduce diseases.

3. Harvesting and storage

The harvest time of okra is extremely important. If harvested too early, the fruit is tender and affects yield; if harvested too late, the fruit is old and reduces its edible value. Harvest time is generally one week after the flowers fade. When the fruit grows to 8-10cm, it is picked. At this time, the fruit is at its best. Harvest time should not be at noon; morning and evening are preferable.

The storage of okra is also relatively important. It should not be stored at high temperatures. High temperatures accelerate its respiration and easily cause tissue aging and decay. It is best stored in a cool environment at 7-10 degrees, but it must not be lower than 7 degrees. Below 7 degrees, it will also rot and change color.

4. Pests and diseases

Okra has relatively few pests and diseases among vegetables. It is occasionally disturbed by insects. During long rainy seasons, disease spots will appear on the leaves. After the weather turns clear, promptly scatter lime around the plants to prevent the spread of disease, and cut off diseased branches and leaves.

The above is the introduction to okra planting techniques brought to you by Qinnong Web. The okra plant is relatively large, so during planting it needs frequent pruning, first to increase ventilation and light penetration, and second to reduce nutrient consumption.