Okra is a herbaceous plant of the genus Okra in the Malvaceae family. Its height is between 1-2 meters. There are thorns on the cylindrical stems and the leaves are palmate, usually with 3-7 lobes. , and there are bristles on the surface. Its flowers are solitary, yellow in color and relatively large. This plant likes warm environments and has poor cold tolerance. In addition to maintaining the temperature, sufficient water must be provided and top dressing must be performed in a timely manner.

1. Morphological characteristics

Okra is an annual herbaceous plant of the Malvaceae family. It can grow to 1-2 meters tall and has a cylindrical stem with thorns on it. The leaves are palmately shaped, generally have 3-7 lobes, and have stiff hairs on both sides. The flowers are solitary in the leaf axils. The pedicels are 1-2 cm long and have 8-10 bracts, mostly linear. The flowers are yellow with purple inside, between 5-7 cm in diameter, and the petals are obovate.

2. Growth Habits

Okra itself likes warmth and is afraid of severe cold, but has good heat resistance. It usually grows well in an environment of 25-30℃, and the average temperature is below If the temperature is 17℃, it will affect its flowering and fruiting. The plant has a wide range of adaptability to soil, and is more suitable for growing in places with deep, loose, fertile soil and good drainage. In addition, good lighting and ventilation are also important.

3. Maintenance methods

During the growth period, okra must maintain high humidity, especially in summer, sufficient water must be provided, usually before 9 a.m. or in the afternoon. Late watering can easily damage the roots under high temperatures. If you apply enough base fertilizer to the plant, you can usually apply appropriate top dressing, but do not apply excessive nitrogen fertilizer. When the seedlings emerge, a uniform fertilizer should be applied to the seedlings. The fertilizer should be urea. After planting, apply seedling fertilizer once, and use compound fertilizer as the fertilizer. Reapply once during the flowering and fruiting period.

4. How to propagate

Okra is generally propagated by sowing. The best time to sow seeds is in spring. Soak the seeds in water for a day, then wrap them in a damp cloth and put them in a warm place to germinate. After germination, prepare for sowing. Generally, hole sowing is used, with 3-4 seeds in each hole. After they grow, keep two plants and take out the small and weak seedlings. Water once a week and topdress with fertilizer when it grows to 50 cm tall.