When is the best time to sow okra?

Okra, as a health vegetable with high nutritional value, has become particularly popular in recent years, and more and more friends are planting okra. However, okra has certain temperature requirements for growth. Let’s learn together about when is the best time to sow okra?

1. Sowing time

The planting time of okra usually depends on the local climate conditions and temperature. In spring, when the temperature stabilizes around 20 degrees, it is the ideal time to sow okra. Specifically:

Southern region: Due to the warmer climate, sowing can be carried out in February.

The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River: sowing is generally carried out in April.

Coastal areas: Suitable for sowing in late April.

Northern region: Due to the cold climate, it is necessary to wait until mid-May before sowing.

2. Preparation before sowing

Before sowing, the seeds need to be properly treated to improve the germination rate. Choose seeds that are full, healthy and full. Since the shell of okra seeds is hard, you can process them by following the steps below:

Soak the seeds in warm water at about 28°C for about a week to promote the seeds to absorb water and expand.

After soaking, take out the seeds and dry them, then place them in an environment of 25°C for germination.

When more than half of the seeds have broken through the skin and sprouted, they can be sown.

3. Soil requirements

Okra has high requirements for soil and needs to choose loose, breathable and deep soil. Before sowing, deep plowing should be carried out and sufficient base fertilizer should be applied to ensure soil fertility and good drainage.

4. Sowing method

When sowing, first water the soil thoroughly, then spread the germinated seeds evenly on the soil and cover with a thin layer of soil about 2 cm thick. After sowing, maintain the ambient temperature at around 25 degrees to facilitate seed germination and growth.

5. Planting and management

When the okra seedlings grow 3-4 leaves, you can apply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium organic compound fertilizer once. After the seedlings have grown for one month, they are transplanted. After planting, sufficient light needs to be provided and proper field management needs to be carried out, such as loosening the soil, weeding, and regular spraying to control pests and diseases.

In short, the best time to sow okra should be determined according to local climate conditions and temperature, usually after the temperature stabilizes in spring. Proper seed treatment before sowing and selection of suitable soil and sowing methods can help improve the growth quality and yield of okra.