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Varieties
Burgundy, Cajun Delight, Clemson Spineless, Dwarf Green Long Pod, Emerald, Lee, Louisiana Green Velvet, Silver Queen
Soil Preferences
Well drained sandy soils with pH 6.0 - 7.5, will tolerate alkaline soils.
Optimum Growing Conditions
Warm season crop, humid hot days (temperature >85°F) warm nights (temperature 70 - 75°F).
Establishment Methods
| Planting Method | Direct seeded (preferred) or transplanted |
|---|---|
| Optimum Time | Spring - When soil seed zone temperature > 75°F Fall - 70-80 days prior to first average frost date |
| Seeding rate | 5-6 lbs/acre |
| Approx seed/oz | 500 |
| Seeding depth | 0.5 - 0.75" |
| Seedling spacing | 8-12" in-row on 28-40" beds |
Fertility/Fertilization
Rates presented as actual lbs/acre N2, P2o5, and K2o (base actual rates applied on soil test results).| Generalized rate: 50 - 50 - 70 lb/acre | |
| N* | 40-80; apply half pre-plant 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 applied with pre-plant nitrogen. |
Water/Irrigation
Fairly drought tolerant (15-20" total), but responds best to uniform moisture and frequent light applications throughout season. Avoid over watering.Pest Management
Okra Diseases and Common Name of Fungicidal Controls
| DISEASE | FUNGICIDE* | OMRI LISTED FUNGICIDE** |
|---|---|---|
| Nematode | 1,3-dichloropropene, chloropicrin, metam-potassium, metam-sodium, sesame oil, | azadirachtin, |
| Verticillium & Fusarium Wilt | 1,3-dichloropropene, |
Okra Insect Pests and Common Name of Insecticidal Controls
| INSECT | INSECTICIDE* | OMRI LISTED INSECTICIDE** |
|---|---|---|
| Aphid | Bifenthrin, Imidacloprid, Malathion, Zeta-cypermethrin | Azadirachtin, Neem oil, Pyrethrins |
| Stink Bug | Bifenthrin, Carbaryl | Azadirachtin, Pyrethrins |
Weeds and Common Name of Herbicidal Controls
| WEED | HERBICIDE* | OMRI LISTED HERBICIDE** |
|---|---|---|
| Preplant incorporated | trifluralin | Corn gluten meal |
| Preemergence (prior to spear emergence) | ||
| Postemergence | carfentrazone, glyphosate, pelargonic acid | d-limonene, clove oil, cinnamon and clove oil |
* The above is a partial listing of controls intended as examples. Some labels may have been revoked since the publication of this guide. Refer to product labels for specifics and use accordingly. Ensure that products with one of the listed active ingredients is registered for the crop it is to be used on. Failure to do the above may result in crop injury, death and/or citation for law violation. Humans, animals and the environment may also be adversely affected by misuse.
** As stated in §205.206 of the National Organic Standards, pest management decisions should follow a hierarchical approach, which should be defined in a farm's organic systems plan. Please ensure that you have followed the appropriate steps and any product to be used in certified organic production systems has been approved by your certifying agent.
Harvest
| Days after planting | 50-60 days (6 days after bloom) |
|---|---|
| Normal method | Hand |
| Containers | Field baskets |
| Grades | U.S. 1 free of defects |
| Anticipated yield/acre | 4-5 tons |
Transit Conditions
45-50°F at 90-95% RH; shelf-life 7-10 days; temperature below 45°F can induce chill injury (surface pitting and decay).Comments/Production Keys
- Consumer demand is for tender pods so harvest 2-3.5" long pods 3-4 times a 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, as excessive nitrogen will induce vegetative growth and reduce yields