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Abelmoschus esculentus is often confused with:
Abelmoschus manihot Flower
Hibiscus laevis Flowers
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Cucurbita maxima Cucurbita maxima
Cucurbita moschata Butternut squash
Cucurbita pepo Zucchini Plant Top View
Abelmoschus esculentus has some common insect problems:
Aphids Found on Flowers and Foliage
Pests of Okra
Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables
Abelmoschus esculentus has some other problems:
Nematodes in Turf
White-Tailed Deer

Ochro Abelmoschus esculentus

Phonetic Spelling
a-bel-MOS-kus es-kew-LEN-tus
Description

Okra is a warm-season vegetable in the mallow family (Malvaceae). It is native to tropical areas of Africa and Asia and can be grown in warmer temperate parts of the USA.

The plant will grow 3-4 feet tall with a multi-branched form. Sow seeds or plant transplants in spring after the chance of frost has passed.  If grown from seed, ensure the temperatures remain above 55 degrees F or start indoors. Okra needs full sun in moist, well-drained high organic matter soil. The pods can be harvested when they reach a length of 3 inches, approximately 4 months after sowing. The seed pod and roots are mucilaginous.

The yellow flowers with purple centers are large and showy as most of the mallow family are. Deer will browse the large green leaves but don't eat the okra. The hairs on the seed pods can be an irritant, gloves should be used when handling. The hairs easily wash off.

Use this plant in the vegetable garden. Fruits, flowers and leaves are edible.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Poorly drained soil can lead to root rot. Powdery mildew can be an issue. Insects include aphids, corn earworms, slugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. 

See this plant in the following landscapes:
Colorful Borders No-Till Vegetable Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#yellow flowers#edible flowers#vegetable garden#edible fruits#border planting#hairy leaves#vegetable#annual vegetable#walkway planting#warm season vegetable#contact dermatitis#container plant#patio
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#yellow flowers#edible flowers#vegetable garden#edible fruits#border planting#hairy leaves#vegetable#annual vegetable#walkway planting#warm season vegetable#contact dermatitis#container plant#patio
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Abelmoschus
    Species:
    esculentus
    Family:
    Malvaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Various parts of the plant have been used in herbal medicine
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Tropical Africa and Asia
    Play Value:
    Edible fruit
    Edibility:
    Pods may be cooked, pickled or eaten raw. Leaves may be cooked or eaten raw. Flowers are edible with a mild, slightly sweet flavor but add more color than flavor. Roasted seeds are a coffee substitute
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Edible
    Vegetable
    Warm Season Vegetable
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    > 3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    The five-sided fruit is chambered and contains many seeds. They have a musky aroma.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Flowers are 2 to 3 inches long, hibiscus-like, yellow with a purple center. Each flower will last only one day, however, the plant will continue to produce flowers over the life of the plant.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Prickly
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Palmatifid
    Leaf Margin:
    Lobed
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are dark green and hairy with five to seven lobes.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis