Okra (Ladies' Finger)
Abelmoschus esculentus
Heat-loving and very productive; great for Malaysian balconies and gardens.
🌞 Light & Temperature
Light: Full sun (6–8+ hours)
Temperature: 24–35°C
🪴 Pot & Soil
Pot: 20–30 L pot (30–38 cm diameter) with deep, rich soil; single plant per pot.
Soil Mix: Rich, well-draining mix: 40% loam, 30% compost, 20% coco coir, 10% sand/perlite; pH 6.0–6.8
💧 Watering
Schedule: Dry season: 3x/week; Rainy season: 1–2x/week if no rain
Amount: 2–3 L per watering
Keep evenly moist to reduce fibrous pods; avoid wetting foliage at night in monsoon
🧪 Fertilizing
Type: Balanced vegetable fertilizer then higher potassium at flowering
Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks
Dosage: 20–30 g/month per plant in 25 L pot; add compost monthly
🥕 Harvest
Start: 50–60 days from sowing
Duration: Harvest daily for 6–10 weeks
Harvest Indicators: Pods 8–12 cm long, tender, snap easily
Tips: Pick frequently to maintain production; wear gloves to avoid skin irritation
🌱 Propagation
Direct sow seeds; soak 4–6 hours to speed germination
🐛 Pests & Diseases
- Aphids: Jet spray + neem 1% weekly
- Powdery mildew: Improve airflow; potassium bicarbonate spray if needed
🌦️ Seasonal Notes (Malaysia)
Plant year-round; best in hot, sunny periods; protect from strong monsoon winds.
📝 Planting Notes
Thin to strongest seedling; stake if windy.
💡 Extra Care Tips
- Mulch heavily
- Remove old leaves to reduce disease
Note
Schedules are guidelines—adjust for your microclimate, pot size, and weather. During heavy monsoon rain, reduce watering and improve drainage.