Okra Ladyfinger Plant and Seeds

Also known as Abelmoschus esculentus, it is a flowering plant in the mallow family native to East Africa and belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is cultivated in tropical, subtropical regions worldwide, thrives, and is celebrated for its delicious fruit. It is propagated by lady finger seeds that develop into long, green pods, often slim, long and slightly curved like the fingers of a beautiful lady - hence its name. The pods are filled with tiny, edible seeds. Okra is a very famous dish known as ‘Bhindi’ in India. The plants have broad leaves like the palm of a hand and yellow flowers with a red centre. Vegetables are a rich source of vitamins, protein, calcium, and other minerals.

Why Should I Grow Okra/ Ladyfinger Plants?

Growing okra in your home garden offers several practical and nutritional benefits. Here are five key advantages:

1. Nutrient-Rich Harvest

Okra vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamins C and A, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. They are also high in fibre and support good digestion and overall health.

2. Easy to Grow and Drought-Tolerant

Okra is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant perfect for a warm country like ours. Once established, it requires minimum maintenance and grows quickly, making it ideal for beginner gardeners or someone just starting in kitchen gardening.

3. Continuous Harvest

Once the plant starts producing, okra can yield a continuous supply of pods over several months. Regular harvesting encourages more growth, ensuring a steady fresh produce supply throughout the growing season.

4. Attracts Pollinators

Okra plants produce beautiful, hibiscus-like flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This can boost the health of your overall garden by improving pollination for other fruits and vegetables.

5. Versatile in Cooking

Okra is highly versatile in the kitchen. It can be stir-fried, grilled, added to soups and stews, or pickled. Its sticky properties make it great for thickening soups, and its mild flavour works well with various spices and seasonings. Growing okra in your garden adds nutrition to your meals while being a beneficial plant for your garden ecosystem.

Care Tips for Okra/ Ladyfinger Plants

Here are some essential care tips to ensure you get the most out of your Okra/ Ladyfinger plants.

When should I water my Okra/ Ladyfinger plants?

Water your plant when the soil looks dry and flaky. Remember to water every day during the hotter days and as the soil gets dry during the winter season. Do not wet the foliage, which can invite pest infestation and damage growth. Water near the soil with a watering can so that the water spreads evenly.

How much sun do Okra/ Ladyfinger plants need?

Okra/ Ladyfinger are sun lovers. The hotter, the better for flowering-fruiting plants. Receiving at least 6-7 hours of direct sunlight is essential to ensure healthy growth. Place your Okra/ Ladyfinger flower plant where it can receive the whole day’s sunlight.

What type of soil is suitable for Okra/ Ladyfinger plants?

They do well in soil that drains well and is rich in nutrients. Ideally, the soil composition for the plants should be, Garden Soil (30%) + Cocopeat (30%) + Vermicompost (35%) + Neem Khali (5%). Remember, flowering and fruiting plants need slightly acidic soil to blossom fully.

When should I fertilise my Okra/ Ladyfinger plants?

It's important to feed your plants to keep them healthy and blooming regularly. You can use natural fertilisers like vermicompost, seaweed or homemade compost every 2-3 months. Ensure you learn about the right amount for each plant to help them grow well.

Why Choose Urvann to Buy Okra/ Ladyfinger Plants Online?

Urvann has the largest and most diverse collection of plants, gardening tools and accessories. We are your one-stop destination if you are looking for the healthiest Okra or Ladyfinger plant for your garden. We offer the best prices and free next-day delivery of your favourite plants. Additionally, our customer support team is dedicated and ready to assist you with any plant-related questions and queries that you may have, ensuring your satisfaction.

FAQ About Okra/ Ladyfinger Plants

1. What temperature does a Ladyfinger plant like?

The plant grows best when temperatures range between 25-33 degrees Celsius.

2. How tall do the Ladyfinger plants grow?

On average, the Ladyfinger plant grows more than 4 feet and can have a 3 feet-wide growing habit.

3. How long does it take for the Bhindi bij to grow and mature?

The time from planting to harvest typically ranges from 50 to 60 days, varying according to the specific variety and growing conditions.

4. Can Okra be grown in containers?

Okra can be grown in containers, but ensure the pot is at least 12-14 inches deep to accommodate its roots.

5. When is the best time to harvest Okra pods?

Okra pods should be harvested when they reach a length of 3-4 inches to prevent them from becoming tough and fibrous.

6. What are the health benefits of consuming Okra?

Okra is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, fibre, and antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also low in calories, making it a healthy addition to the diet.

7. Can Okra tolerate drought conditions?

Okra is relatively drought-tolerant but performs best when it receives consistent watering, especially during pod formation.

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