Okra, 'Red Burgundy'

Germination

Sow indoors 3-5 weeks prior to last frost. Sow directly after last frost. Prior to sowing soak seed for 2 hours in warm water. Surface sow into individual pots of moist well-drained compost, just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil, or sow directly into prepared soil, 20mm deep in rows 90cm apart with 45cm spacing. Ideal temp. 18-25°C. Germination takes 10-15 days approx. For indoor sowings, acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed. Requires a min. growing temp. of 15°C.

Growing

In the UK possibly best grown under glass. Prefers a well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun. Requires a minimum temp. of 15°C but prefers 25°C. If outside offer a warm sheltered location. Plants dislike cool nights. If grown under glass manual assistance with pollination may be needed.

Cultivation

The pods should be picked when tender and immature, about 8-10cm long, approx. 4-6 days after flowering. If pods are allowed to fully mature on the plant the plant will stop producing.