Okra is a warm - weather screw veg that thrives in hot , humid summers . Many gardeners right away sow okra come outdoors after the last spring hoar engagement . However , okra can also be come out indoors from seed weeks earlier , permit for an earlier harvest . So can you bug out okra indoors ?
The answer is yes ! Starting okra indoors is all manageable as long as some key factor are study
Pick a Fast-Growing Variety
When growing okra indoors , it ’s practiced to choose a tight - maturing , other producer variety . Some dear options admit :
Clemson Spineless – heirloom , fast grower , 3″ fuel pod
Annie Oakley II – high - yield crossbreed , 4 - 5″ pods
Cajun Delight – early maturity , suffer cooler temporary worker
Burgundy – fairly red pods generative industrial plant
These fast - growing varieties will mature quickly indoors and transplant well outside .
Timing is Critical
Decide on your ideal outside transplanting date based on your last spring rime . Count rearward 6 - 8 week from that date to learn when to start okra plant seed indoors .
Okra ejaculate need warm soil to germinate , so do n’t start too other indoors . draw a bead on for 4 - 6 weeks before transplanting .
Soak Seeds to Hasten Germination
Okra seeds have a hard out program that can delay sprouting . To zip up the summons , soak okra seeds in warm water overnight before plant indoors .
Sow Seeds in Sterile Seed Starting Mix
Fill fledgeling pots or jail cell tray with infertile , soilless seed start mix . Sow 2 - 3 okra plant seeds 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch deep in each container . Cover lightly with mix .
Provide Warmth for Germination
Okra seed germinate well at temperatures around 70 - 80 ° F . turn over placing come trays on a rut mat or germination station for optimal results .
Grow On in Warmth and Full Sun
Once sprout , move okra seedling to the brightest , fond spot you have indoors . A south facing windowpane is ideal . Add develop lights to ensure 14 - 16 hours of daily light .
Acclimate and Transplant Outside
About 1 - 2 weeks before your object transplanting day of the month , get down acclimating okra seedling to outdoor conditions . tardily precede them to Sunday , wind , and cooler temporary . Transplant outside based on your last frost date , spacing 18 - 24 inches apart in warm soil . Pinch off broken foliage and plant deeply , keeping 2 - 3 set of true folio above earth .
Be Patient!
Okra is tropic and grows good in hot , humid summers . Do n’t gestate fruit in good order after transplantation . It may take a few weeks for plants to establish and set about flowering and fruit production . But once summer heat kick in , they ’ll take off !
Tried And True Okra Varieties
Jambalaya Okra is a intercrossed variety that is the most fat we ’ve ever prove . plant life bring out heavy yields of green pods that are great for pickling , frying , and stew .
generative plants produce pods that can attain 7 - 9″ in length , but are better harvested between 3 - 4″ long . Large plant will grow as turgid as 6′ in optimally - warm growing condition .
Green Fingers Okra is a special intercrossed motley that grows little , tasty 3–4 - inch unripened pods . It does well in garden of all size of it , but it was bred to be little enough to originate in spate .
Seed Start Supply List
Starting Okra Indoors
FAQ
Should I start okra indoors ?
How long does Abelmoschus esculentus take to produce from seeded player indoors ?
