Author Topic: Anyone up for the Okra challenge this year? (Read 68623 times)

Jeannine · « **on:** January 17, 2008, 20:14:05 »

Some of you may remember the fun and heartache many of us had trying to grow Okra last year, spurred on by the lovely Cleo.

As far as I know none of us really did it.

I managed about 2 little fruits only, and decided this year to take it up as a challenge to myself.

I wondered if anyone else would like to join in.

There are no rules,we just have to produce some fruit.

Perhaps if we kept a thread going from the start it could encourage us all, it got quite hilarious last year.

I can swap seeds if anyone needs any.

Yow will need greenhouse space, I think it is unlikely they will grow outside, however i might be wrong.

All advice is welcome.

Any takers .

XX Jeannine

Rob08 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2008, 20:19:43 »

I will be happy to participate, but just want it to go on record that I have tried okra before and have not even managed to get it to germinate.

Hopefully things will go better this year.

I have three varieties as seed - Clemsons Spineless (the one I tried before), Cow Horn and Alabama Red. Will try 2 of each.

Eristic · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2008, 20:28:58 »

I'll have a go if the weather gives me a break long enough to get the polytunnel up.

cleo · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2008, 20:40:14 »

My word remains my bond.

you produce a decent crop and my wok and kitchen are here to cook them for you.

VP · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2008, 21:06:35 »

I have Okra seeds, but no greenhouse. ??? That's what comes of being a seedaholic.

I'll sow some in the hope we get a summer like 2006 8)

Jeannine · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2008, 22:31:26 »

Well done Cleo, I thought I could rely on you, now tell the folks the whole thing in case some of them were not here last year..by the way,I am trying your Pure Luck too.XX Jeannine

morton · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2008, 22:40:52 »

I have plenty of greenhouse space but no Okra seeds. If they are readily available locally I would like to join in.

VP · « **Reply #7 on:** January 17, 2008, 22:43:06 »

I got mine from Suffolk Herbs - not so local for me, but reasonable postage rates and service.

Jeannine · « **Reply #8 on:** January 17, 2008, 22:47:22 »

I have loads PM me XX Jeannine

morton · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2008, 23:00:16 »

Thank you Jeannine. I have sent you a PM.

calendula · « **Reply #10 on:** January 18, 2008, 12:43:39 »

I wouldn't mind trying but having grown it before you need very many plants just to get a decent crop and I'm not sure about giving up the space but will think about it - the flowers are beautiful though, worth it for them :D

dtw · « **Reply #11 on:** January 18, 2008, 13:09:09 »

I am going to have a go this year with Clemson's spineless.

Any successful growers out there that have got any tips?

bupster · « **Reply #12 on:** January 18, 2008, 15:42:23 »

I'm with VP, but can't resist a challenge. Not sure if I have any seeds, but hunting them down is half the fun 8)

bupster · « **Reply #13 on:** January 18, 2008, 15:46:13 »

Just found this!

This is rarely seen outside Indian restaurants, where it is known as “Ladies Fingers”, but the ribbed, pointed, fleshy, dark green seed pods are delicately flavoured and invaluable for adding body and interest to soups and casseroles. Alternatively, they can be used alone as a cooked vegetable. The interesting and attractive plants are not hard to raise and can be grown just like Tomatoes, either in the greenhouse bed or in 8 or 10 in. plant pots. Will succeed out of doors in a summer like 1976. ;D

Garjan · « **Reply #14 on:** January 18, 2008, 15:49:25 »

Count me in for this challenge!
This year i will try to grow Clemson Spineless, Better Five F1 and Burgundy Red.

Last year my Clemson did nothing, but the year before that i got about a few pods from four surviving plants. Still blame it on the heatwave in spring followed by rain, rain and rain in early summer.

But, contrary to you, I did grow them outside both times.

Good luck everybody. Hopefully we'll meet at cleo's.

markfield rover · « **Reply #15 on:** January 18, 2008, 15:55:20 »

I will give it one more go! can't be any worse than last year (famous last words) Red Burgundy the chosen one
let battle commence!

Jeannine · « **Reply #16 on:** January 18, 2008, 17:18:40 »

Ok.. are we all going to plant at the same time and if so when,any variety we choose,or several if we wish. Everybody to support everybody else with tips and pitfalls etc, and if anyone gets then we all cheer,RIGHT!!

THIS IS NOT A COMPETITION

Varieties I have currently have are:

Star of David
Annie Oakley
Red Burgundy
Lee
Bowling Red
Louisianna Long Green
Emerald Velvet
Pure Luck ( from Cleo..thank you)

So does anyone have any ideas when we should plant.

XX Jeannine

markfield rover · « **Reply #17 on:** January 18, 2008, 19:08:40 »

Me thinks,,,, April 1!

morton · « **Reply #18 on:** January 18, 2008, 19:42:16 »

This site looks to have been written by somebody experienced in growing Okra. The soaking in bleach and water is different.
Also the note regarding harvesting using protective clothing is interesting.
Hope the link works as I'm still not confident.

http://www.tinkersgardens.com/vegetables/okra.asp

morton · « **Reply #19 on:** January 18, 2008, 19:55:32 »

Whilst I would be happy to go along with the majority I suggest that each does their own thing whilst reporting back regularly on progress. Some live in the warmer south some live in the colder north. Some have greenhouses some have not. Some will sow in propogators and some not. Some will want to sow early and some late. Some will want to try several different sowing times.
As the object is to get a good crop and if its not a competition then why not sow when each indivual wants.

News:

Author Topic: Anyone up for the Okra challenge this year? (Read 68623 times)