Abelmoschus esculentus or Okra aka lady’s fingers or gumbo is a flowering plant in the mallow family.The seed pods are popular as a vegetable in Caribbean cookery.

Growing Okra

• Okra is grown for its edible, hairy, green seed pods.
• Originating in Africa, the plant is cultivated in tropical and warm temperate regions around the world.
• Okra likes hot, sunny, humid conditions, a challenge for any British gardeners.
• A conservatory, greenhouse, low glass frame or cloche is best and a second covering of plastic over plants will help raise humidity more.

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• The pods produce a clear edible goo when cooked.
• The bigger the pod, the tougher the skin.
• Grow plants from seed. The plant can grow up to 6 feet in height when the conditions are right.

Photo credit Martin LeBar Palmate veins in an okra leaf creative commons license on flickr.
Clay Irving creative commons license on flickr.