Can you plant seeds from fresh okra?

ANSWER: Yes, fresh okra seeds can be used to grow new okra plants. … Push the seeds down about a half inch into the soil and water them until the soil is moist, but not soggy. Plant two seeds into each pot. There is no need to cover the pots to germinate okra seeds.

How do you dry okra pods for seeds?

How can you tell if okra seeds are good?

Water test: Take your seeds and put them in a container of water. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. Then if the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, they most likely will not sprout.

Can you freeze okra seeds?

To save seeds for planting the next year, let some of the pods remain on the plant until they are very large. They can be dried and the pods placed in the freezer until the gardener is ready to use them, and the fun begins all over again.

How do I save okra seeds to plant next year?

Since no fleshy vegetable matter clings to the seeds, you don’t need to wash them. Instead, dry the seeds in the open air for a few days, then store them in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Although some okra seeds can remain viable for up to four years, many do not.

Can I grow okra from fresh okra?

The seeds of okra should be soaked in water for at least 12-18 hours allowing them to absorb the moisture before being sowed. Okra can grow in different types of soil but it must be fertilized well. The seeds should be sowed an inch deep in the soil and in rows that should be at a distance if 3 feet from each other.

Will frozen okra seeds sprout?

Freezing breaks the seed coat and increases potential germination. Place the seeds in the freezer overnight before planting in warm soil.

Can you eat dried okra seeds?

The seeds inside okra are absolutely safe to eat. The seeds provide some of the fiber found in okra which helps digestion. Okra is a great compliment to many foods.

How long are okra seeds viable?

1-3 years
Storage and Viability

Store okra seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place protected from pests. When stored in these conditions, okra seeds will remain viable for 1-3 years.

Should I soak my okra seeds before planting?

Prior to planting, soak the okra seeds in water for 12 to 18 hours to soften its hard seed coat. Soaking aids moisture absorption and germination. Plant okra in the spring or early summer once the threat of frost has passed. … Okra will grow in many soil types, so mulch and fertilize as needed.

How do you make okra produce more?

Using organic fertilizer will help boost pod production. Adding compost around the base of the plant mid-season will give it a boost so it keeps producing. Especially mid-way through the season, when the okra plants are 18″ – 24″ tall, they will benefit from nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer.

How long does it take to grow okra from seed to harvest?

Okra plants will produce large flowers about 2 months after planting. The okra pods will be ready to pick 3 to 4 days later.

How do you germinate okra seeds in a paper towel?

Pre-Sprouting

Spread the okra seeds at a 1-inch distance from each other over a moistened double layer of paper towels. Carefully roll up the paper towels, making sure that the seeds stay in place, and then place them in a plastic sandwich bag in a warm area, such as the top of the refrigerator.

What can grow with okra?

Plants like kale, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, Swiss chard, and other brassica family members plant well with okra. They add nutrients to the soil which helps improve the health of your okra plants. Sunflowers. These flowers act as a companion plant to attract pollinators, allowing your okra pods to bloom.

Can you grow okra indoors?

You can start okra seeds indoors in peat pots under full light 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date. … If you do not start your okra plants early, wait until there is stable, warm weather. You can plant okra in the garden when the soil has warmed to about 65° or 70°F—the warmer, the better.

How do you germinate okra seeds quickly?

Although the soil must be moist, overly wet soil may cause the seed to rot before it can sprout. Okra seed germination time is within 10 to 21 days, notes the University of Maryland Extension. You can soak the seeds in a bowl of warm water over night the day before you plant to speed up sprouting.

What do you do after germinating seeds in a paper towel?

How do you propagate okra seeds?

Use fresh seed soaked overnight or nick each seed coat with a file to encourage germination. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in light soil and 1 inch deep in heavy soil; spacing is 3 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Thin seedlings to 18 to 24 inches apart, always choosing the strongest of the young plants.

Why are my okra seeds not sprouting?

Seeds do not germinate; plants do not emerge.

Soil is not warm enough for germination; soil temperature must be at least 70°F for okra to germinate. Pre-soak seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing.

Will old okra seeds germinate?

Do seeds go bad with time, or can you plant them no matter how old they are? The answer is, yes, seeds will eventually go bad and no longer germinate, but it can take quite a long time. There is a good chance that those old seed packets will have a high percentage of seeds that will germinate just fine.

Can you start okra seeds indoors?

When starting plants indoors, sow okra seeds in peat pots. Plant 2 seeds in each pot. After germination, thin to one plant per pot. Sow okra seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the intended outdoor planting date.

What is the black stuff on my okra?

↑ What causes black spots on okra? Temperature, moisture and improper handling can cause previously bright green okra pods to develop discolored dark or black spots. Serve okra in stews, battered and fried, or as whole roasted pods.