A comprehensive introduction to how to plant okra to increase yield, as well as knowledge about the planting techniques and management of green plants and flowers. Let's learn about it together below.
Okra is a nutritious and healthy vegetable. In the vegetable market and department stores, they rush to sell early, and as soon as fresh vegetables are available in the market, they are sold. In rural areas, it is the same; if a family's crops sell well in the market and they make money, others will follow suit. Of course, some villagers plant okra mainly because of its high nutritional value and the simplicity of growing it.
In the south, planting can start as early as the beginning of April, while in the north, it is relatively later, usually from the end of April to the beginning of May. The entire growth period is approximately 120 days, with about 60 days from planting to fruiting. As long as this time is arranged reasonably and frost periods are avoided, it is fine. Okra is generally propagated by seeds, and the main planting method is to seedlings first and then transplant, similar to the seeding method for chili seedlings. When the soil temperature reaches above 15℃, it can germinate. If you want to enter the market earlier, you can use the seedling and transplanting method, which allows for earlier seeding, usually in early March. If the local temperature warms up early and there is not much emphasis on the market time, direct seeding can be done, and it can be seeded between April and June.
Planting okra in spring is the best. First, dry the seeds in the sun, then select plump and large seeds, soak them in water for 12 hours, and then wrap them in a damp cloth and place them in an environment of 25-30℃ to germinate. Rinse with clean water every day, and when more than 60% of the seeds have germinated after three or four days, it is time to plant. Before planting, prepare the land and apply fertilizer. Okra has a strong adaptability and can be planted in most types of soil. To ensure the yield of okra, it is best to plant it in deep, loose, fertile, and well-drained loam or sandy loam soil.
In rural areas, we use farm manure, which can be decomposed farm manure. Before planting, level the land, dig trenches, and make ridges, and then you can plant. It is best to plant in holes. First water, then plant, put three or four seeds in each hole, and cover with about 2 centimeters of soil. If using seedlings for transplanting, plant after germination and maintain the bed soil temperature at around 25℃, and the seedlings will emerge in four or five days. After a month, you can transplant, selecting strong seedlings, two per hole.
After the direct-seeded okra seeds germinate, it is necessary to till the soil, remove weeds, and thin the seedlings in time. Only keep two strong seedlings in each hole, and remove the rest of the small, weak, and diseased seedlings. At this time, it is also necessary to start top-dressing. In the summer, due to frequent storms, it is best to support the okra plants to prevent lodging. Also, remove the old leaves at each node in time to facilitate sunlight and ventilation, reducing diseases and pests. When the okra plants grow to about 30 centimeters in height and have 7-9 true leaves, they will start to fruit. At this time, it is necessary to apply a heavy dose of fertilizer again to ensure sufficient nutrients during fruiting.
Coffee okra prefers warm temperatures and is native to India, widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. In China, provinces such as Hunan, Hubei, and Guangdong also have extensive cultivation areas. It is known as the vegetable king, with high economic and edible value.
This article shares content related to how to plant okra to increase yield and the planting techniques and management of okra. I hope it is helpful to you!