Okra Cultivation Methods, Benefits, Effects and Nutritional Value
As one of the most popular vegetarian dishes for modern hot pot, okra certainly holds its own, and each part of the plant has different benefits and effects. Among them, boiling okra root in water has the effect of strengthening the spleen and stomach; mashing okra leaves and roots for external application can stop bleeding and diarrhea; okra flowers nourish the liver and kidneys and have beauty-enhancing effects; okra seeds moisten the lungs, relieve coughs, and strengthen the body.
Okra is also known by other names such as yellow okra and coffee okra. It is an annual herbaceous plant of the genus Abelmoschus in the mallow family, native to India, and is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Okra is suitable for planting in winter and harvesting in autumn. So how do you grow it? It likes light and tolerates heat, with a suitable growing temperature of 17 to 28 degrees. It likes sunlight but is also fairly shade-tolerant. However, if it is kept in a dark environment for a long time and is not given normal sunlight, it may fail to carry out photosynthesis, which can cause the plant to flower and thus reduce its yield.
In January during winter, it is not suitable for planting in the north but is suitable for planting in the south. As long as the general temperature is not lower than 15 degrees and the average temperature remains above 17 degrees, it meets okra's germination temperature requirements. If the temperature is below 13 degrees, it will affect the plant and slow its growth. At this time, you can first soak the okra seeds in warm water for 8-12 hours, then scatter the treated seeds in the soil and keep the soil moist. Finally, when the seedlings grow 4 true leaves, you can thin them out or transplant them.
The choice of soil should not be overlooked either. Okra is suitable for growing in well-drained soil. You can use loose, well-drained sandy soil, which has fewer diseases. At the same time, mixing in an appropriate amount of organic matter such as leaf mold can better promote its growth.
In terms of watering and fertilizing, follow the principle of "water when dry, stop when wet" for watering. During the growing season, fertilizing requires sufficient nutrients. During this period, apply a compound fertilizer or organic fertilizer once every 20 days. During the flowering and fruiting stages, increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote fruit growth. However, note that before sowing, avoid excessive fertilization, especially nitrogen fertilizer, otherwise it may cause leggy growth.