Long cultivated in parts of Africa and Asia (where it originated),
this 6 ft (1.8 m) tall annual was taken to the Americas with slaves
from West Africa and has remained a traditional ingredient of many
dishes in the USA as deep south.
It is an attractive plant with red-eyed yellow flowers.
Both flower buds and the long starchy immature pods are eaten.
Okra requires a long hot summer for successful growth.
Cultivation: They are mostly grown as summer annuals, requiring
fertile, well drained soil, a sheltered position in full sun, and
plentiful water.
Propagate from seed.
Rust disease can be a problem: spray with a fungicide. |
