Okra

A necessary ingredient for gumbo, okra can be grown between March and August in New Orleans

Appearance

Okra plants have small erect stems that can be bristled or hairless. The heart-shaped leaves have five to seven lobes, and the plant produces flowers with five white to yellow petals. The seed pods can grow up to 10 inches long, however, it is the young, immature pods that should be harvested. Okra can grow 4 to 6 feet tall. An annual plant, okra only lives for one growing season.

Use

Not solely suitable for gumbo, okra can be dried, fried, oven-roasted, stewed and pickled. The leaves are sometimes used as cattle feed; the fibers from the stem used for cord; and the plant mucilage used for medical and industrial purposes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, okra is a source of vitamins C, K, A and B6. It's also a good source of potassium, folate and antioxidants like catechins. Okra provides health benefits such as strengthening bones, lowering blood pressure, preventing constipation and maintaining healthy skin.

Grow

According to the LSU AgCenter's Louisiana Vegetable Planting Guide, the minimum amount of okra seeds required to plant a 100-foot row is one-half ounce. Plant the seeds one-half inch deep, and space the seeds 12 inches apart. Use two to three pounds of 8-24-24 or three to four pounds of 8-8-8 fertilizer after the first pod set, and then every four to six weeks thereafter. The okra will be ready for harvest in 60 days.

Learn

Recommended varieties for Louisiana include Annie Oakley, Cajun Delight (All-America Selections), Clemson Spineless, Cowhorn, Red Burgundy (All-America Selections), Emerald, Lee and North and South.

Lagniappe

Okra is a flowering plant in the mallow family, and the edible pods — while eaten as vegetables — are actually fruit.

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