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Abelmoschus esculentus
Okra
(1 Page of 5)

 
The Abelmoschus esculentus plant species is found in The original habitat is obscure. It is a member of the Malvaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Okra. Some home gardeners know the variety as Hibiscus esculentus. L.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Abelmoschus esculentus
Common Name:  Okra
Family:  Malvaceae
Author:  (L.)Moench.
 
Known Hazards:  The hairs on the seed pods can be an irritant to some people and gloves should be worn when harvesting. These hairs can be easily removed by washing[200].
 
Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  
 
Habitat:  Not known in a truly wild situation.



Cultivation Notes:  Prefers a well-drained humus rich fertile soil in full sun and a pH around 6 to 6.7[200] but it tolerates a wide range of soil types and pH from 5.5 to 8[200]. Requires a warm sunny position sheltered from winds[200]. Likes plenty of moisture, both in the soil and in the atmosphere[133]. Commonly cultivated in warm temperate and tropical areas for its edible seedpod, there are many named varieties[183, 200]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it sometimes succeeds outdoors in hot summers but is really best grown in a greenhouse. Plants dislike low night temperatures[133]. There are some early-maturing varieties that are more tolerant of cooler temperate conditions and these could be tried outdoors[200]. These include 'Clemson's Spineless', 'Emerald Spineless', 'Long Green' and 'Green Velvet'[200]. The flowers are much visited by bees but they may require syringing in order to improve fertilization when plants are grown in a greenhouse. Plants resent being transplanted[133].

For further Abelmoschus esculentus gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

 
Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future

 


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