Description Heirloom Herb. The pods make a delicious addition to soup and stews – we suggest rolling pods in corn-meal batter, then frying. Also known as Gumbo. Okra seed produces a plant that thrives in warm soil and warm weather and is in the same family as both hibiscus and hollyhocks. The 4-8 cm (2-3″) wide white-to-yellow coloured flowers resemble hibiscus and as such, they also make a nice low maintenance ornamental. Okra is extremely heat and drought tolerant and can grow to 120 cm (48″) in height. Annual. How to Grow Soak seed in tepid water overnight before sowing directly outdoors in late May/early June in a sunny site. Plant seed 1 cm (3/8″) deep and 2.5 cm (1″) apart in rows 90 cm (36″) apart. Wide separation of rows is essential to prevent disease during hot, humid days. Thin seedlings to 45 cm (1.5′) apart in the row. Irrigation is essential for best pod development. Okra flowers 60 days or so after germination. Pods form and grow quickly. Remove pods when at desired size. Pods are ready to harvest 10 days after flowering or even sooner in hot weather. Old gristly pods should be picked off as they are not palatable and inhibit formation of new pods.
