Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

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18 May 22 Janet Ann Shpak (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Soil Temps have to be pretty high for okra. Is it better to wait until late June to plant in zone 4b?
22 May 22 Christine (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Yes! Okra is a plant that came from Africa, and needs warm temps to germinate. Here is a little hint…my mother, who was raised on a farm here in Georgia, always soaked her okra seed for 12 to 24 hours in buttermilk. I have always done that as well, and it seems to help the seed sprout quicker. Water May do the same thing and be as effective, but using buttermilk may have some sort of advantage. Plus, it helps me to feel closer to my ancestors. : ). Of course, you may be able to start the seedlings indoors, depending on how many you will be planting.

Soil Temps have to be pretty high for okra. Is it better to wait until late June to plant in zone 4b?

- Janet Ann Shpak

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