Are you a horticulture enthusiast in Missouri looking to grow Abelmoschus esculentus in your backyard ? Well , you ’ve come to the right position ! In this article , we will discourse the serious clock time to plant okra in Missouri , take into considerateness the singular climate and growing weather of the region .
Okra , a warm - season vegetable have it off for its delightful pod , thrives in hot temperatures and requires a foresightful develop season to strain its full voltage . By understanding the ideal planting windowpane and follow some key tips , you ’ll be well on your way to a bountiful gumbo harvest in no metre . So , let ’s plunk in and let on the optimal time to sow gumbo come in Missouri and set yourself up for a successful horticulture experience .
Best varieties of Okra to grow in Missouri
In Missouri , some practiced variety of Abelmoschus esculentus that perform well include :
retrieve to plant gumbo cum or transplants after the risk of Robert Lee Frost has pass and the stain has warmed up , normally around late leaping or other summertime . Okra plants choose full sun and well - drained soil . Regular watering and fertilizing will help check healthy growth and a bountiful harvest .
When to plant Okra in Missouri
Missouri is divided into several hardiness zones , which provide valuable information for gardener about the specific clime conditions in unlike region . The hardiness zones in Missouri range from zone 4b in the north to geographical zone 7a in the Dixie . These zones are determined based on the average annual minimum wintertime temperatures .
When it comes to establish Okra in Missouri , it is important to think both the hardiness zone and the specific characteristics of this heat - loving plant . Okra is a warm - time of year veggie that thrives in live and humid clime . It requires a retentive grow season with ample sunshine and warm dirt temperature .
In Missouri , the good metre to plant Okra is after the last frost date , which usually falls between mid - April to early May in most regions . By this time , the soil has warmed up , and the danger of freeze has passed . Planting Okra too early can leave in poor sprouting or stunted growth , as this plant is sore to cold temperatures .
To ensure successful increase , consider begin Okra seeds indoors 4 - 6 workweek before the last frost appointment . This will give the plants a head start and take into account them to reach a more suitable size of it for transplanting . Once the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has diminished , you’re able to transpose the seedlings into your garden .
When plant Okra , pick out a emplacement that receives full sun for at least 6 - 8 hour a day . The soil should be well - draining , rich , and rich in constitutive thing . Okra plant prefer a slightly acidic dirt with a pH story around 6.0 - 6.8 .
When transplant the seedling , ensure to space them by rights , allowing about 12 - 18 inches between each works . This will render enough room for the plants to grow and spread out . It is also beneficial to impart a layer of mulch around the root word of the flora to help retain moisture and suppress grass growth .
Throughout the growing season , ensure to water the Okra plants regularly , especially during dry spells . Adequate moisture is all-important for the development of healthy and productive plants . Additionally , it is advisable to fertilize the plant every 4 - 6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer to provide them with the necessary food .
Harvesting Okra can start out around 50 - 60 days after planting , depending on the mixture . It is best to harvest the seedpod when they are 2 - 4 column inch longsighted and still tender . steady harvest home encourages the production of more pod and helps to prevent them from becoming hard and woody .
By following these guidelines and considering the specific hardiness geographical zone and planting recommendations , you’re able to successfully acquire Okra in your Missouri garden and enjoy a bountiful harvest .
When to harvest Okra in Missouri
The optimum clip to glean okra in Missouri is typically from mid - July to early October . Okra plants thrive in warm weather and ask temperature systematically above 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) for optimal growth . It is important to wait until the gumbo seedpod reach the desire size before harvest home . The cod are usually quick to harvest when they are around 3 - 4 in long and still tender . harvest regularly , every 2 - 3 days , promote continuous yield . Be sure to wear down glove and use a abrupt tongue or pruners to avoid damage the plant .
Other considerations
When grow okra in Missouri , there are a few additional considerations to keep in judgement :
By considering these factors and providing proper precaution , you could increase your chance of successfully growing okra in Missouri .
