Collecting Okra Seeds - How To Save Okra Seeds For Planting Later

Since no fleshy vegetable matter clings to the seeds, you don't need to wash them. Instead, dry the seeds in the open air for a few days, then store them in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Although some okra seeds can remain viable for up to four years, many do not.

Can fresh okra seeds be planted?

ANSWER: Yes, fresh okra seeds can be used to grow new okra plants. ... Push the seeds down about a half inch into the soil and water them until the soil is moist, but not soggy. Plant two seeds into each pot. There is no need to cover the pots to germinate okra seeds.

How long can you keep okra seeds?

Store okra seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place protected from pests. When stored in these conditions, okra seeds will remain viable for 1-3 years.

Will old okra seeds germinate?

Seeds that are only a year old, or slightly older but whose packets are still unopened, generally germinate nicely. If they're several years old, the packs were opened and/or the seeds were stored in less than ideal conditions, subject them to a germination test.

How do you grow okra from fresh seeds?

Use fresh seed soaked overnight or nick each seed coat with a file to encourage germination. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in light soil and 1 inch deep in heavy soil; spacing is 3 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Thin seedlings to 18 to 24 inches apart, always choosing the strongest of the young plants.

What can you not plant near okra?

Okra should not be planted in soil previously utilized to grow vine crops such as sweet potatoes and squash as these crops tend to increase nematode population in soil. Nematodes feast on young okra roots, causing wilt and galls on the roots, which diminishes fruit yield.

What month do you plant okra?

For the best yields, plant okra in the spring 2 to 3 weeks after all danger of frost has passed. For a good fall crop, plant at least 3 months before the first fall frost.

Do you Soak okra seeds before planting?

Soak Okra Seeds to Speed Up Germination

Okra is easy to grow but the seeds have a hard coat that can slow germination. To speed up the process, soak the seeds overnight in warm water before planting.

Will 20 year old seeds grow?

There is a good chance that those old seed packets will have a high percentage of seeds that will germinate just fine. Most seeds, though not all, will keep for at least three years while maintaining a decent percentage of germination. And even a group of very old seeds may have 10 or 20 percent that still sprouts.

Should I dry okra seeds before planting?

Since no fleshy vegetable matter clings to the seeds, you don't need to wash them. Instead, dry the seeds in the open air for a few days, then store them in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Although some okra seeds can remain viable for up to four years, many do not.

How do you germinate okra seeds indoors?

Soak okra seeds in a cup of lukewarm water overnight or for up to 24 hours before planting to soften the seed coat and help speed germination. Plant a row of three to five okra seeds 1 inch deep and about 3 inches apart. Water until the potting mix feels moist, but not soggy.

Why are my okra seeds not sprouting?

Seeds do not germinate; plants do not emerge.

Soil is not warm enough for germination; soil temperature must be at least 70°F for okra to germinate. Pre-soak seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing.

Do okra seeds need light to germinate?

The seeds do not require light to germinate, but the new seedlings must be provided with light soon after germination to grow well. Although the soil must be moist, overly wet soil may cause the seed to rot before it can sprout.

How can you tell if okra seeds are good?

There are two easy tests you can take to check to see if there is life left in your old seeds. Water test: Take your seeds and put them in a container of water. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. Then if the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, they most likely will not sprout.

What grows well with okra?

Because of okra's height, some of the best companion plants for okra include lettuce. The tall plant shades the greens from the hot sun. Another plant that can benefit from the shade of your okra is melons (which also have the added benefit of attracting pollinators to your plants).

Is okra self pollinating?

Okra plants have perfect flowers (both male and female parts on the same flower) and will readily self-pollinate.

Can you plant cucumbers and okra together?

This makes okra a good companion for cucumbers, which require pollination to fruit. Cucumbers release nutrients into the soil that increase okra plants' vigor, and okra deters pesky cucumber beetles. These companion plants prefer warm soil that has a pH above 6.0 and a temperature above 60 degrees.

How many okra can one plant produce?

How much okra can you get from one plant? If your okra plants have ideal conditions, they can produce 20 – 30+ pods per plant. In a warmer hardiness zone such as zone 9b, you will have a longer growing season, into the fall or longer.

Does okra grow back every year?

Okra is a flowering plant that is grown as an annual in most regions, though the species (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a perennial plant in the dry tropical regions where it is native.

Can you soak okra seeds in bleach before planting?

Soak the seeds in pure chlorine bleach for exactly 5 minutes, no more, no less. ... Rinse in clean water exactly 3 times. Plant.

What are the side effects of eating okra?

Risks and precautions

Eating too much okra can adversely affect some people. Gastrointestinal problems: Okra contains fructans, which is a type of carbohydrate. Fructans can cause diarrhea, gas, cramping, and bloating in people with existing bowel problems. Kidney stones: Okra is high in oxalates.