Okra - Dwarf Long Pod seeds

Okra Dwarf Long Pod Abelmoschus esculentus Packet: 20 seeds Dwarf Long Pod is a compact okra that still delivers full-length pods, which makes it the pick for pots, small beds and shorter seasons. The plants stay low and bushy, around a metre, while carrying slender, ridged green pods over a long warm spell. Picked young the pods are tender and mild, good steamed, in a curry, pickled, or wrapped in foil and grilled. Sowing Okra needs real warmth, so wait until the soil is above about 18°C. Soak the seed overnight to soften the hard coat, then sow 15 to 20mm deep, either direct or in pots to plant out before the taproot sets. Germination takes 7 to 21 days in warm soil. Space plants about 40 to 50cm apart. When to Sow - Australian Climate Zones Cool & Mountain: November to December (warmest spots only) Temperate: October to January Subtropical: September to March Tropical: August to April Arid & Semi-arid: September to January Care Grow in full sun in free draining soil. Water steadily once flowering starts and mulch to hold moisture through the heat. A light feed of fish emulsion or a fish and seaweed blend as the pods set keeps plants cropping, but go easy, as too much nitrogen gives leaf at the expense of pods. Harvest Pick from about 8 to 9 weeks, taking pods young at 8 to 10cm long while they still snap cleanly. Cut every day or two once they start, as pods left on the plant turn woody fast and slow further setting. Wear sleeves, since even a near-spineless type can irritate the skin.