Okra. Hibiscus esculentus
Often known as Gumbo and popular in the U.S.A. In view of our variable summer conditions, it is advisable to start the plants under glass except in warm districts. Although they grow a metre high in warmer places, elsewhere the plants rarely exceed 38 to 45cm The pale yellow flowers with purple centres are followed by curious long, tapering upright seed pods, which must be eaten within a few days of maturing otherwise they become tough. The okra served in restaurants is tinned and nothing like so good as fresh pods.
Okra is not difficult to grow if a light, warm space is available. Treat it like aubergines. Unfortunately you need several plants to get enough to use, so it is not an awfully practical crop. Pick the pods while small to add their peculiar slimy texture to stews. It is best to sow the seed in the greenhouse, placing two or three seeds in a 13cm pot of sandy soil, reducing the seedlings to the strongest one. These can then be planted under cloches or in a warm situation.
Okra is not difficult to grow if a light, warm space is available. Treat it like aubergines. Unfortunately you need several plants to get enough to use, so it is not an awfully practical crop. Pick the pods while small to add their peculiar slimy texture to stews. It is best to sow the seed in the greenhouse, placing two or three seeds in a 13cm pot of sandy soil, reducing the seedlings to the strongest one. These can then be planted under cloches or in a warm situation.
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