okra

Hi people, how are you all?, I have been busy caking recently but I have decided I really need to get gardening again. I bought some seeds last weekend and came across some okra seeds. The questions are- will I have to keep them in the greenhouse ? and how big do the plants grow?, it says that the plants may need some staking but not how tall they grow. Does anyone know anything or any tips they can give me.

Thanks

Carol.

 

Hi Carol, I have some seed as well, it was a free gift from a seed company.
I think it needs greenhouse conditions, heat and humidity.
A relative of the hybiscus I think.

The main thing I'd like to know is what you do with it when you've grown it, what does it taste like.
Is it like most of these tropical obscure veg/fruits, pretty tasteless and yuck, sweet potato being one.

 

I grew some Okra back in the 80's under glass Carol as they are best treated as tropical but haven't tried since then. There are probably newer strains now but I remember mine grew to about three feet and I think I staked them.
I grew them more for the novelty value rather than for cullinary use mainly because of the flowers.
The would look different on a cake!! :D
This may not be much use to you but I don't have any more info/tips on them perhaps someone else will.

 

Okra is a member of the Mallow family and is a close relative of the cotton plant. As Pete says, it needs a greenhouse enviroment to grow properly. But could probably be grown outside in southern Britan. Will probably need some support. You need to soak the seed for 24 hours before sowing in peat pots ( they don`t like to be transplanted ). Harvest when the pods are about 2 " long. They are used a lot in Indian curries.

 

Pete they are sticky or gooey and when boiled, taste like yuck but make an Okra Baji to have with a curry and they taste different (or maybe the spices make you think it tastes different :D ) That is the only way I have eaten Okra, I think it is also used in the Carribean where it is known as Gumbo.

 

Hi Carol.
I grew one plant in the greenhouse last year (can't remember variety). I would guess that they wouldn't do well outside - I could be wrong, but they're a warm climate plant, so prob. need heat.
Definitely grow more than one plant if you do grow them - they only produce 1 or 2 pods per plant, and they are *Definitely* best eaten when young. I let the pods on mine grow too big, (6"+) and they became unusably stringy. (Saved the seeds though )
The plants were around 1' to 1 1/2' tall

This year I'm trying Clemson's Spineless variety. Will post here with results in summer...

cheers,
Dave

 

Okra cake... well sounds different ! I have bought them from tesco's and used them in indian currys and pete they don't have a strong taste a bit like a courgette I thought anyway. I think the other name for them is ladies fingers. I will give them a go in the greenhouse I think.


Carol.

 

Thanks Dave, I can't remember the name of the ones I got.
I like trying to grow something different usually has to be in the greenhouse though its sooo windy here and just a tad cold.

Carol.

 

i cut them about half inch thick dip in egg then in corn meal,shallow fry till crispy,salt,pepper ,hot paprika serve immediately

 

MMMM! that sounds rather good Kathy.

 

hi Dalbuie, used to make them in the states
the kids loved them,i allways have then when we have a BBQ ,i would like to try a plant or two
think i will try Daves spineless variety

 

Hi Dalbuie
I'll be dead jealous if you get any fruits.
I've tried them four years running, disaster every year.

But from failure comes knowledge I suppose:
They can't be put outside.
They hate being transplanted
They need constant moisture, but overwatering kills them.

I'm trying 'Burgundy' Okra this year.
I refuse to be defeated....

 

You know, after all I've seen, I have a feeling they're not worth the trouble.
Dont think I'm going to bother, no wonder the seed was free.