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Okra
  • Okra
  • Okra
Okra

Okra

$5.00

wonderfully productive, heat-loving summer vegetable, producing tender green pods used in cuisines around the world. Each pot contains four seedlings, ready to grow into individual plants.

Why I Grow It

I love growing ingredients that aren't always easy to find fresh, and okra is one of those vegetables that deserves more attention in the kitchen. It's productive in the right conditions, interesting to grow, and its beautiful hibiscus-like flowers are an added bonus.

In the Kitchen

Okra is a staple in Indian, African, Caribbean and Southern American cooking. It's wonderful in bhindi masala, curries, gumbo and tomato-based stews.

The young pods can also be roasted, grilled or quickly sautéed with spices.

Okra naturally releases a thickening substance when cooked, which is particularly useful in soups and stews. For a less slippery texture, try roasting or cooking the pods quickly over high heat.

Harvest while the pods are young and tender, before they become fibrous.

In the Garden

Okra loves warmth, sunshine and a long growing season. Given the right conditions, it develops into an attractive upright plant with large leaves, beautiful pale flowers and a succession of edible pods.

In warmer parts of Aotearoa, it can be a rewarding summer crop. In cooler areas, a greenhouse or particularly warm, sheltered position may give better results.

Regular harvesting encourages continued pod production.

Care

  • Position: Full sun, warm and sheltered.

  • Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost.

  • Planting: Wait until the soil is thoroughly warm and frost risk has passed.

  • Spacing: Approximately 40–60 cm between plants, depending on variety.

  • Watering: Water regularly, especially during establishment and flowering, but avoid waterlogged soil.

  • Feeding: Compost and a balanced vegetable fertiliser as needed.

  • Harvesting: Pick pods frequently while young, generally around 5–10 cm long, depending on variety.

What You'll Receive

One pot containing four healthy okra seedlings for $5.00.

These are four individual plants, not a clump intended to grow together. Carefully separate them when transplanting, keeping as much root attached to each seedling as possible.

Okra can be sensitive to root disturbance, so handle gently and transplant promptly into warm soil.

Four well-grown plants can provide a generous supply of fresh okra through a warm summer.

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