Growing Okra for Commercial Production

By Sally Mulambya

It is not fully known as to where this delicacy originated from but several believe that this delicacy originated from Ethiopia, in Zambia the seed pods are often cooked either by boiling or frying. However, most people are reluctant to take up okra farming despite it being easy to grow.

There are quiet a few considerations and steps to follow for those willing to grow okra on a large scale.

SOIL

A well drained, fertile soil is best for okra production select a soil with good water holding capacity. Do not plant on very light, sandy soils, soils that are poorly drained or known to have hard pans should not be planted to Okra.

LANDPREPARATION

Early land preparation is an important step in growing a good crop. Turning the soil in the fall or early spring will give crop residue time to decompose before okra is planted early land preparations also allows for many weed seed to germinate. These seedlings should be killed as you disk the soil before planting.

Since okra is very susceptible to nematodes, it is important to fumigate the soil if nematodes are present. You can determine if nematodes are present by sampling the soil.

Okra grows best on soils that have a PH value of 6.5 to 7.0 its best advised to conduct a soil test to indicate if lime is required to specify the amount of fertilizer needed.

If lime is needed use dolomitic lime, apply it 3 or 4 months before the crop is seeded.

FERTILIZER

Okra grows best in rich soils you can use compost or bagged fertilizers or plant it on soils that have a pH of 5.8 to 6.5. A soil test will indicate if lime is required and will specify the amount of fertilizer to apply. If lime is recommended, use dolomitic lime. Apply it three or four months before the crop is seeded.

Research indicates that okra should respond to additional phosphate when the soil test indicates medium to low phosphate. If your soil test indicates low phosphate, broadcast 400 pounds per acre of 20 percent superphosphate and disk it in. If the soil test indicates medium phosphate, apply 200 pounds per

acre of 20 percent superphosphate and disk it in.

If a soil test is not available, general recommendations are to apply 600 to 800pounds per acre of a complete fertilizer such as 6-12-12 or 5-10- This can be mixed under row or applied in a band to the side.

The okra plant has a sensitive balance between vegetative (foliage production) and reproduction (pod production). The use of additional nitrogen should be avoided on vigorous plantings until fruiting begins to check plant growth.

Two or more side dressings with a high analysis nitrogen material may be needed, however, depending on rainfall. It is important to supply additional nitrogen late in the season at the time the "forms" or "blooms" are concentrated in the top of the plant. Put down 33 pounds of additional nitrogen per acre at each application.

PLANTING

Seed the okra after the soil has warmed enough to allow good germination. Space rows 28 to 38 inches apart. The spacing’s will require 12 to 15 pounds of seed per acre. Plant 1½ to 2 inches deep, 4 to 6 seed

per foot. Thin to 8 to 12 inches between plants. Corn planters, such as the Cole planter, can be used for okra if the seed plate and cog are changed to plant this size seed. Planet Jr. type of seed planter is also suitable.

CROP ROTATION

Since okra is very susceptible to damage by nematodes, it is advised that you follow a crop rotation, using crops such as grasses and small grains, which prevent a buildup of nematode populations. Okra should not follow vine crops, such crops as squash and sweet potatoes. These crops tend to increase nematode population.

PEST CONTROL

Weeds can be controlled by cultivation or by use of herbicides. Early weeds can be controlled by pre-plant herbicide applications, later in the season shallow cultivations can be used to control weeds. Famers are advised to check their crops regularly because okra is prone to insect attacks.

Caution any mature pods left on the plant will reduce future yields, it is very important that all mature pods be removed from the plants as soon as possible. The practice of cuffing off(cropping) leaves during harvest does not influence future yields as long as leaves are not cut above where pods have not developed.

Diseases nematodes can cause serious losses in okra, root-knot nematodes can be controlled by approved nematicides which are very essential if soil is infested by nematodes.

HARVESTING

The most important step in any okra operation is harvesting the ponds directly at the proper time and Harvesting methods vary according to the market type.

Harvesting for Processing: Most varieties grown for processing produce pods on a brittle stem. These

pods can be broken or snapped in a manner that leaves the stem on the plant and no ton the pod. Okra

grown for processing should be allowed to get as long as possible without becoming fibrous or hard. As long as the pod tip will snap off evenly the pod is usually still tender.

Harvesting for Fresh Market: Greater care is necessary in harvesting okra for the fresh market.

Grading standards are more exact and the pods must usually be cut with a knife. Fresh market okra is

usually graded into these sizes:

·Fancy - Pods up to 3½ inches long.

·Choice - Pods 3½ to 4½ inches long.

·Jumbo - Pods over 4½ inches but still tender.

Be sure your picking crews are careful to neatly trim the stem end; this can bed one as the pod is cut from the plant.

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