Okra Frank J. Dainello, Extension Horticulturist Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University
VARIETIES Standard Clemson Spineless, Lee, Emerald, Clemson 80, Green Best, Cajun Delight Compact types Annie Oakley, Prelude, Blondy
SOIL PREFERENCE Well drained sandy soils with pH 6.0 - 7.5, will tolerate alkaline soils.
OPTIMUM GROWING CONDITIONS Warm season crop, humid hot days (temperature >85oF) warm nights (temperature 70 - 75oF).
ESTABLISHMENT METHODS Direct Seeded, can be transplanted Optimum time- Spring- When soil seed zone temperature > 75oF Fall- 70 - 80 days prior to 1st average frost date. Seedling spacing- 8 - 12" in-row on 28 - 40" beds. Seeding rate lbs/A- 5 - 6 Seeding depth- 0.5 - 0.75" Approx seed/oz- 500
FERTILITY/FERTILIZATION Rates presented as actual lbs/Acre N2, P2O5 and K2O (base actual application rates on soil test results). General rate: 50 - 50 - 70 N= 40 - 80, preplant apply half and side dress 20 - 30 lbs at first fruit set + 4 - 6 weeks later. P= 50 - 80 lbs banded 2" below seed at planting. K= 60 - 120, apply with preplant nitrogen. (Note - Sensitive to zinc deficiency)
WATER/IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS Fairly drought tolerant; 15 - 20" received or applied, responds best to uniform moisture throughout season, frequent light applications; avoid over watering.
PEST MANAGEMENT Major Diseases Control Nematode Nemacur, Telone II, TeloneC-17 Verticillium, Fusarium Wilts Sanitation, crop rotation, treated seed Cotton root rot None Major Insects Control Aphid Malathion Corn earworm Sevin, BT's Leafminer None Stink bug Sevin Mites Sevin, Cythion Ants   Weeds Control Pre-emergence Roudup (emerged weeds) Pre-plant incorporated Treflan Post-emergence Poast
*NOTE- The above is a partial listing of controls intended as examples. Some labels may have been revoked since the publication of this guide. Refer for product labels for specifics and use accordingly. Failure to do so may result in crop injury, death and/or citation for law violation. Humans, animals and the environment may also be adversely affected by misuse.
HARVEST Hand harvested. Days after planting= 50 - 60; 5 - 6 days after bloom. Containers= Field baskets Packaging/ Handling= 30 lb bu or cartons 18 lb loose pack LA lugs 12 qt baskets, 5/9 bu (18 lbs). Grades= US 1 free from defects Anticipated yield tons/A= 4 - 5
STORAGE/TRANSIT/CONDITIONS 45 - 50oF at 90 - 95% RH; shelf-life 7 - 10 days; temperature below 45oF can induce chill injury (surface pitting and decay).
COMMENTS/PRODUCTION KEYS Tender pods are demanded by consumer; harvest frequently when pods are 2 - 3.5" in length, 3 - 4 time/ week, daily if possible. Frequent harvest maintains productivity of plants, therefore, remove old fruit from plants. Pods shrivel rapidly after harvest, place in cold storage immediately after harvest if need to be held for any period. Pods are easily bruised, handle with care. Packing in perforated film bags and holding in 5 - 10% Carbon dioxide can increase shelf-life approximately one week. Thin plants to desired stand when seedlings are 3" tall Soaking seed overnight and then partially drying (enough to facilitate planting) speeds germination and emergence. Avoid over fertilization with nitrogen, excessive nitrogen will induce vegetative growth and reduce yields
Texas Cooperative Extension, Horticulture Crop Guides Series Revised November, 2003 http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/vegetable/cropguides/pepper.html Prepared for Web delivery by Brooke Bludau, Amanda Zan, and Dan Lineberger