Best Tips For Growing Vegetables at Home - Part 2 ( Okra / Gumbo / Ladyfingers/ Bhindi )

Ladyfingers are the edible seedpods of the okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus) and are also known as gumbo. The plant is related to cotton and hibiscus and is originally from Africa. Indian lady fingers (Bhindi ) is another name for the vegetable known as okra in the U.S. and gumbo in parts of Africa. Lady fingers are a common ingredient in several Indian dishes. The plant is an annual that produces large ornamental flowers.

Propagation

It is propagated from seeds. Wrap the seeds in a moist paper towel the night before you are planting them. This overnight soaking will speed up the germination process. Plant the seeds in the garden, sowing them 1 inch deep. Space the seeds 4 to 6 inches apart and keep rows 3 feet apart. When the seedlings have sprouted, thin them so that individual plants are spaced 12 to 15 inches apart.

Soil

Ladyfinger can be grown in any place with good drainage system. The pH of soil should be 6-6.8. Cover the soil with a 2-inch layer of organic compost and mix it into the soil with your shovel at a depth of 6 inches.

Watering

Water the ladyfingers immediately after planting and water it once or twice a week when soil gets completely dry. Irrigate your plants during dry spells, aiming to moisten the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Water the plant in the morning to allow them to dry out.

Sun / Temperature

Long, warm and wet climate is considered to be the best. For seed-growth 25-30 degree centigrade temperature is suitable, below 16 degree centigrade the seeds do not grow. This crop can grow both in summer and winter.

Fertilizer

Feed plants with more fertilizer when they reach 6 inches tall and again 2 or 3 weeks later, if desired. Dig a trench 6 inches deep along the plants’ drip line. Cover the fertilizer and water thoroughly.

Harvesting

Harvest ladyfinger pods once they are 2 or 3 inches long and harvest regularly as leaving large pods on the plant reduces overall yield.