🌱 How to Grow Okra (Lady Finger) from Seeds

Common Names:

• Hindi: भिंडी

• Tamil: வெண்டை

• Telugu: బెండకాయ

• Malayalam: വണ്ടക്ക

• Kannada: ಬೆಂಡೆಕಾಯಿ

• English: Okra / Lady Finger

• Botanical name: Abelmoschus esculentus

1. Choose the Right Season

• Warm-season vegetable

• Best time to sow:

  • February–April (Spring-Summer)

  • June–August (Monsoon)

• Ideal temperature: 24°C to 35°C

2. Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Well-drained loamy soil

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)

• Enrich with compost, cow dung manure, and neem cake powder for best results

3. Sow the Seeds

• Depth: Sow seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep

• Spacing:

  • In garden beds: 12–15 inches between plants

  • In containers: Use 12-inch deep pots; sow 2–3 seeds and thin to 1–2 healthy plants

• Soak seeds in water for 6–8 hours before sowing to improve germination

4. Watering

• Water when the topsoil feels dry

• Keep soil moist but avoid waterlogging

• Use mulch to retain moisture in summer

5. Germination

• Seeds sprout in 5–10 days

• Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding

• Provide full sun to strengthen growth

6. Sunlight & Temperature

• Requires 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily

• Grows best in warm temperatures (25°C to 35°C)

7. Fertilization

• Feed with compost or vermicompost every 2–3 weeks

• During flowering: Use low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizers for better fruiting

• Avoid excess nitrogen as it promotes leafy growth over fruits

8. Pest Control

• Watch for aphids, fruit borers, and whiteflies

• Spray neem oil + soap solution every 10–15 days

• Remove yellow or infested leaves regularly

9. Harvesting

• First pods ready in 45–60 days

• Harvest when pods are 3–5 inches long and tender

• Pick every 2–3 days to encourage new growth

10. Regrow Tip

• Leave some pods on the plant to fully mature and dry

• Save seeds for next season

• Okra can give a continuous harvest for 2–3 months

💚 Health Benefits of Okra

• Rich in fiber, supports digestion

• Contains Vitamin C, A, folate, and magnesium

• Good for heart health and blood sugar control

• Low calorie and great for weight loss diets