O kra

Production before flowering, taking into consideration

the vigor and habit of the plants. Once flow-
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) can be
ering begins, plants with off-type flowers
grown on a wide range of soils with good
should be removed. After the first pods are
drainage, but sandy loam soils are preferred.
developed, remove plants with off-type
Temperatures between 27–30 °C promote
pods. Plants with viral symptoms should be
rapid and healthy seedling development.
removed as soon as symptoms appear.
Seeds will not germinate below soil tem-
peratures of 17 °C. Seeds should be soaked
in water for 24 hours before sowing. Plants Harvesting
grow well in raised beds (20–30 cm high). The okra pods mature in a sequence from
the base of the plant toward the top (Fig.
Isolation 35). The pods have tendency to split along
the suture when they are dried out. Exposed
Okra flowers (Fig. 34) are often cross-pol-
seeds may be damaged by rain or may drop
linated by insects. An isolation distance of
to the ground; therefore, the pods must be
500 m or more is recommended. An alter-
harvested as soon as they have become fully
native method of keeping seed pure is to
mature (brown color) and before shattering.
bag the flower buds and hand-pollinate once
flowers have opened.
Processing
Selection Pods are easily hand threshed.
Plants for seed multiplication can be selected

Fig. 34. Okra pod and flower Fig. 35. Pods maturing from the base of the
plant

Saving Your Own Vegetable Seeds | 17