Table of Contents
Introduction
Okra, also known as bhendi or lady’s finger, is a popular warm-season vegetable grown across India for its tender green pods. Widely used in Indian cooking, it is enjoyed in a variety of dishes such as curries, stir-fries, sambhar, and even crispy fried snacks. Rich in calcium, magnesium, fiber, and essential vitamins like A, B, and C, okra offers numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, better immunity, and blood sugar regulation.
For farmers and home gardeners alike, okra is a rewarding crop thanks to its short growing cycle and high yield potential. In this blog, let’s explore how to grow okra in just 7 simple steps.
Step 1: Climate, Soil, and Season for Sowing Okra Seeds
Climate for Okra Cultivation
Okra thrives in a warm and humid climate, making it ideal for tropical and subtropical regions. The crop is highly sensitive to frost and requires a long, frost-free growing season. The optimal temperature for seed germination and healthy growth ranges between 24°C and 27°C, while germination is poor below 20°C temperature. However, temperatures above 42°C may lead to flower drop, reducing yield.
Soil for Okra Cultivation
Okra grows well in a variety of soil types. Well-drained clay loam soils rich in organic matter is considered ideal for better yield. Since okra roots are sensitive to water stagnation, proper drainage is essential. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 6.8 is best for optimum growth.Â
Season for Okra Cultivation
Okra can be grown year-round in many parts of India, but the timing depends on the region. In North India, the summer crop is typically sown between February and March. In South India, the main sowing season is around November. Across India, a rainy season crop can be planted during June–July.
Step 2: Selecting the Right Okra Variety
Various factors such as fruit quality, climate, region, and season need to be considered while selecting an okra variety. For your convenience, a few okra varieties are listed below.
Step 3: Procuring Quality Okra Seeds
For successful okra farming, selecting high-quality seeds is essential. Even with the best cultivation practices, poor-quality seeds can result in low yields and weak plant health. Looking for the best okra seeds?
DesiKheti offers a wide range of premium okra seeds tailored to your farming needs. Browse our collection, place your order online, and enjoy fast, reliable delivery right to your doorstep.
Step 4: Land Preparation for Sowing Okra Seeds
To prepare the land for okra cultivation, plough the field 2–3 times to break up the soil properly and remove weeds. Add 25 tonnes per hectare of well-decomposed FYM during the final ploughing.
Step 5: Sowing Okra Seeds
Okra seeds can be soaked in water for 12 to 24 hours before sowing to improve germination. The field is prepared into ridges and furrows or flat beds, depending on local conditions.
Okra seeds can be sown using the dibbling, broadcasting, or line sowing methods. Proper spacing supports better plant growth. Generally, a spacing of 30 x 30 cm is followed for summer crops, and 60 x 30 cm for rainy season crops, to allow air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
Step 6: Care After Sowing Okra Seeds
Water Management:
The first irrigation can be given immediately after sowing the seeds, and subsequent irrigations can be provided at intervals of 4 to 5 days, depending on the season and soil moisture.
Weed Management:
The field should be kept weed-free through regular weeding and hoeing, especially during the first few weeks. The first weeding can be done 15 to 20 days after sowing okra seeds. A total of 3 to 4 weddings can be carried out, depending on the intensity of weed growth.
Step 7: Harvesting Okra
Okra pods are usually ready for harvest 45 to 65 days after sowing, depending on the variety. Typically, medium-sized okra pods are harvested. Bhindi pods that are 6–8 cm long are preferred for export purposes. This pod size is usually attained 5–6 days after the flower opens. Harvesting is generally done on alternate days.
Common FAQs Related to Okra Seed Sowing
Q. What climate is best for growing okra?
A. Okra grows best in warm and humid climates, typically found in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires a long, frost-free growing season with temperatures between 24°C and 27°C for optimal growth.
Q. Which soil is best for growing okra?
A. Well-drained clay loam or sandy loam soil rich in organic matter is ideal for okra cultivation. The soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 and good drainage to prevent water stagnation.
Q. When can okra be harvested?
A. Okra can be harvested 45 to 65 days after sowing.
Q. What is the scientific name of okra?
A. The scientific name of okra is Abelmoschus esculentus.
Join DesiKheti Whatsapp Channel for regular updates, farming tips, and information on agriculture.
