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Okra seed is generally planted at a rate of 10 lb per acre but this quantity is vastly reduced by the use of precision planting methods. In commercial Okra production, seeds are planted in rows spaced 0.65 to 1.0 m apart. In the home garden, seeds must be sown at a depth of 2.5 cm leaving 25 to 45 cm between rows only after the soil has reached a temperature of 18☌. Soaking seeds in water overnight before planting helps the plants to germinate. Okra is naturally propagated from seed.Sowing on ridges ensures proper germination, decreases water requirement in spring-summer, and helps in drainage during the rainy season. Broadcasting is not recommended as it increases seed rate as well as causes great inconvenience in cultural operations and harvesting. Okra gives slight success on transplanting and thus seed is sown directly in the soil by seed drill, hand dibbling, or behind the plough. Row to row spacing must be 45 cm is recommended and plant to plant distance is 15 to 20 cm.The Okra plants grow taller in the rainy season compared to warm summer. It can be grown effectively under the temperature ranging between 25 to 30☌. It requires humid and warm conditions for good growth. Do not cultivate crops in saline, alkaline soils also in poor drainage capacity soils. The pH value of the soil should be 6.0 to 6.5. If appropriate drainage is available it can grow well in heavy soils. Okra can be cultivated in a wide range of soil and the perfect soil for Okra cultivation is sandy loam to clay loam with rich organic matter and better drainage facility.Pods can be removed from the plant by cutting with a sharp knife or by snapping from the plant.
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Okra pods are generally ready to harvest 4 to 6 days after flowering and pods should be harvested every 2–3 days when they have reached 7.6–15.2 cm (3–5 in) in length. Pods are usually ready for harvesting 2 months after planting.
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Applications of appropriate herbicides may be required in commercial production. in the home garden, weeds can be removed by careful cultivation of the soil around the plants. Due to the long period over which okra is harvested, weeds can become a problem and require management. An additional side dressing of 40–60 lb of nitrogen can be applied 6 weeks after planting. Chicken manure may be spread in place of chemical fertilizer 1 week prior to planting. Growers generally apply ammonium phosphate fertilizer that contain both nutrients at a rate of 100 lb per acre prior to planting seed. Okra benefits from the addition of nitrogen and phosphorous. In cooler climates, plants require less water as it tends to cool the plants and restrict their growth. Water should be applied at a rate of 1.5 inches every 10 days is recommended in hotter areas. Okra requires a moist soil for optimum development. Seedlings are thinned to a final spacing of 15.0–22.5 cm (6–9 in) when they are 4–6 weeks old to produce the final plant stand. Okra seed is commonly planted at a rate of 10 lb per acre but this quantity is vastly reduced by the use of precision planting methods. In commercial okra production, seeds are planted in rows spaced 0.65–1.0 m (26–40 in) apart. In the home garden, seeds should be sown at a depth of 2.5 cm (1 in) leaving 25–45 cm (10–18 in) between rows only after the soil has reached a temperature of 18☌ (65☏). Soaking seeds in water overnight prior to planting helps the plants to germinate. Soil temperatures should be at least 18.3☌ (65☏) with optimal growth of the plants occurring at soil temperatures between 23.9–32.3☌ (75–90☏). The plant should be grown in an area of high sunlight and grows best in hot temperatures. If planting in clay soil, transplants are recommended due to the difficulty encountered in seedling emerging from the heavy soil. Soils should be high in organic matter with a pH between 5.8 to 6.8. Okra is a heat loving plant, growing best in southern climates in a well draining, light sandy to medium loams.