How should red okra be managed during cultivation? A detailed explanation of the technical key points
Red okra is a species in the okra genus, and in our country it is a relatively new type of vegetable that has been welcomed by many people. Red okra is a healthy vegetable that combines food and medicinal uses. It is cultivated in all parts of our country and has a wide planting area. Nowadays, many people have gradually begun to grow red okra on a larger scale, but growing okra requires good management work. Below, the editor brings you the management methods for growing red okra. Let's take a look together!
1. Seedling management
Red okra is generally planted after Qingming Festival, and nowadays seeds are mostly raised in greenhouses and then transplanted. Before planting, the seeds must first be treated by soaking them in warm water at about 52 degrees at a temperature of about 29 degrees for a full day and night. Once more than 85% of the red okra seeds have sprouted white, they can be sown and raised as seedlings. When raising seedlings, attention must be paid to doing good fertilizer and water work. First, ensure the seed germination rate and avoid the occurrence of weak seedlings and dead seedlings. If these phenomena occur after emergence, reseed promptly to ensure reasonable planting density and yield.
2. Intertillage and weeding
After the seedlings emerge, transplant and set them in place promptly. After setting, do good intertillage and weeding work to promote the seedlings' recovery and growth. Usually, before the seedlings have flowered, intertillage should be carried out promptly, and the preparatory work for seedling hardening should be done well. After flowering and fruiting, water and fertilize appropriately according to the plant's growth and the soil conditions, combining this with intertillage work. The main purpose is to avoid soil compaction and inhibit weed growth. Also, before the plants close the rows, one intertillage should be carried out. This intertillage is mainly for hilling soil to prevent red okra plants from lodging. It should be noted that if herbicides are used for weeding, pay attention to the herbicide variety and dosage to prevent phytotoxicity in red okra.
3. Pruning and leaf removal
Red okra has strong growth ability and many branches, so pruning and leaf removal work must also be done well in planting management. Observe the plant's growth and appropriately cut off excessively long, overly dense, and internal forked branches. Control the application of nitrogen fertilizer; applying too much nitrogen fertilizer will cause the plants to grow excessively, which is one of the main reasons for dense branch growth. In the later stage of red okra growth, attention should also be paid to cutting off old leaves and yellowing leaves at the base of the plant. These leaves can no longer function normally, cannot bring benefits to the plant, and instead consume more nutrients, so they should be removed promptly.
4. Timely harvesting
Under normal circumstances, red okra plants will flower when they grow 8 leaves, and when the flowers wither for a week and the tender pods grow to about 9 cm, that is the best harvesting season for red okra. Be sure to harvest within the appropriate time. If harvesting is too late, the tender pods gradually mature, the internal fiber increases, and the quality becomes poor. If harvesting is too early, the pods are not mature enough and the yield decreases. It is not suitable to harvest in high-temperature weather. Pay attention to the harvesting method: do not pull or tear with your hands, but cut with scissors to prevent damaging the plant branches. Red okra can be harvested continuously, and the harvest supply period can reach 4 months.
The above is a brief introduction to the field management techniques for growing red okra. In fact, the cultivation methods for red okra and yellow okra are similar. However, due to differences in varieties and planting regions, their cultivation and management methods will differ to some extent. Therefore, the main management methods vary from person to person, and what the editor has said is not suitable for all planting friends. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for reading and supporting.