Okra is a warm-season crop that is easy to harvest and produces abundantly. There’s no reason not to add this vegetable to your garden/farm. However, this gorgeous plant doesn’t transplant well, and so many farmers/gardeners grow their crops from okra seeds. You can get the best bhindi seeds or the best lady finger seeds from Urja seeds.
Okra is rich in nutrients such as vitamin A, Vitamin B, Magnesium, Vitamin C, K, Vitamin B6 etc. It comprises antioxidants that play a huge role in protecting our body from some major diseases and health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
How to use Okra in foods
The okra vegetable popularly known as ‘Bhindi’ is quite famous in India as a regular vegetable that is eaten alongside rotis, chapatis etc. Okra pickles are also a favourite delicacy relished by many. You can also roast the okra in an oven and consume it as a healthy and daily snack. You can have okra with pasta by cooking it along with tomatoes and serving as a sauce. Other ways of consuming okra include grilling okras, sauté okras with garlic flavour or adding them to a vegetable stir fry.
Urja Seeds offers popular seed varieties that include F-1 Hybrid US-480, F-1 Hybrid US-280, F-1 Hybrid US-240, F-1 Hybrid US-120 and Arka Anamika. The arka anamika bhindi is widely loved by Indians as a vegetable. Consuming it on a repeated basis improves the body’s ability to fight infections, provides a protective layer against illnesses such as cough and cold and also strengthens the bones in our body. Sow the hybrid bhindi seeds in any type of soil however make sure that the soil quality is high and it is rich in nutrients and organic compost. The harvest period will take place after around 50 to 60 days. Make sure that the plant gets at least 5 to 6 hours of access to direct sunlight everyday for it to grow in a healthy manner.
This blog covers everything you need to know about growing Okra – plantation, cultivation, harvesting, and pest protection. Let’s dig in!
1. Sow the okra seeds also known as bhindi seeds or lady finger seeds with Love
- Before sowing the hybrid okra seeds, prepare the soil well.
- Add fertilizers and rake the soil to remove all sticks and rocks.
- Sow the hybrid bhindi seeds an inch deep in the soil and in rows, at least 3 feet from each other.
- Rake the soil again gently over the seeds to cover them.
- Water them and watch them grow into beautiful seedlings.
Tip: To speed up the germination part in the okra plant growing process, soak the seeds overnight in warm water before planting.
2. Nurture the baby Okras!
The first step in cultivating Okras is thinning. It will provide an increased room for growth so that the crop receives proper nutrients, moisture, and sunlight.
Next step is to add a layer of mulch around the plants. (Make sure it doesn’t touch the stems.) Frequent watering is necessary during the flowering stages. After that, Okra plants can tolerate dry conditions. However, please ensure that you water the plants every 7-10 days during an extended dry period.
3. Reap the Goodness
Pods will be ready for harvest in about two months from planting. Remove them using pruning shears when they are 2-3 inches long. Pick them often to encourage continued production.
4. Say Goodbye to the Bugs!
Okra pests include beetles, aphids, stink bugs, and corn earworms. Urja Seeds recommends using organic pesticides to avoid damage.
About Urja Seeds
URJA Seeds offers you high-quality seeds for your garden/kitchen. We also specialize in selling premium seeds online such as exotic seeds, vegetable seeds and flower seeds. Urja Seeds provides hassle free online delivery to all its customers. The seeds are of the highest quality and are packed with nutritional benefits and freshness. By employing continuous development and research activities over the years and establishing expertise in this field, Urja now offers its customers high yielding seeds online easily and that too on time.
So, are you ready to grow some Okra in your farm/garden?
FAQ’s
Q1: Is there a need to soak okra seeds before sowing?
Soaking the seeds before plantation can help speed up the process of germination. You can soak the seeds in water for a period of 12 to 18 hours. This process will result in the seeds softening its hard exterior coating.
Q2: How to improve the efficiency of my okra seed plantation?
The best way to improve the growth and efficiency of your okra seed is to use organic fertilizers. You can add compost to the plant in the middle of the season to support and boost the growing process. Watering your plant from time to time will definitely help by making it healthier and more nutritionally balanced.
Q3: How often should I water my okra plant?
Okra plant is well known for its capability to survive in dry conditions. However when supplied with an adequate amount of water, the plant can really benefit from it and show fast and healthier results. An inch of water a week can be suitable for your plant’s efficient growth.