Growing “Green Fingers” okra offers a rewarding experience, providing a steady supply of tender, flavorful pods. This variety is popular due to its unique characteristics and suitability for various garden sizes. Understanding its specific needs, from planting to harvest, ensures a successful and abundant yield.
Understanding Green Fingers Okra
“Green Fingers” okra is a unique hybrid cultivar, valued for its compact growth and early production. This variety yields small, flavorful green pods, typically 3 to 4 inches long. A significant advantage is its spineless nature, which simplifies harvesting by eliminating skin irritation common with other okra varieties.
Plants begin producing pods when relatively small, around 15 inches tall, and continue to bear fruit until the first frost. This makes “Green Fingers” an excellent choice for home gardens, including container cultivation and smaller spaces. Its deep, glossy green leaves and upright, well-branched growth contribute to its appeal, while its compact size, reaching about 3 feet at maturity, allows for efficient space utilization.
Planting Green Fingers Okra
“Green Fingers” okra requires full sun exposure, at least 6 to 8 hours daily, for robust growth and prolific pod production. Plant after all danger of frost has passed, when soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F at a 4-inch depth and evening temperatures are 60°F or warmer.
Okra thrives in fertile, well-draining loam with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Incorporating aged compost or organic matter before planting improves fertility and drainage. Soaking seeds in warm water overnight can aid germination.
Plant seeds 3/4 to 1 inch deep. For direct sowing, space seeds 12 to 18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Starting seeds indoors 4-5 weeks before the last frost can give plants a head start in shorter growing seasons. Once seedlings are about 6 inches tall, thin them to their final spacing.
Caring for Green Fingers Okra Plants
Consistent watering is essential for “Green Fingers” okra, particularly during flowering and pod development. While okra can tolerate some dry spells, aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for very hot or arid conditions. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are preferred methods as they deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing moisture on leaves which can lead to disease.
Okra benefits from regular fertilization to support its continuous production. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation, can be applied before planting, followed by sidedressing when plants are 6 to 8 inches tall and again two to three weeks later. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as this can promote leafy growth at the expense of pod development. Mulching around the plants helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature. Regularly removing weeds prevents competition for nutrients and water.
Harvesting Green Fingers Okra Pods
Harvesting “Green Fingers” okra at the right time is crucial for optimal tenderness and flavor. Pods are typically ready for harvest about 50 to 55 days after planting or transplanting. The ideal size for harvesting these pods is generally when they are 3 to 4 inches long; larger pods tend to become tough and fibrous.
Pods should be picked regularly, ideally every one to two days, to encourage the plant to produce more flowers and more pods. To harvest, use sharp pruning shears or a knife to cut the stem just above the cap of the pod, being careful not to damage the plant. Wearing gloves is recommended as the plant’s foliage can cause skin irritation. The “Green Fingers” variety is known for its upward-pointing pods, which makes harvesting easier.
Addressing Common Okra Challenges
Gardeners might encounter a few common issues with “Green Fingers” okra, though the plant is generally resilient. Yellowing leaves can indicate nutrient deficiencies (nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium) or overwatering. Ensuring balanced fertilization and proper drainage can address these concerns.
Aphids are a common pest that can cause leaves to curl and yellow. A strong jet of water can dislodge them, or insecticidal soaps and neem oil can be applied for more severe infestations. Powdery mildew, appearing as white, powdery spots on leaves, is a fungal issue that thrives in warm, dry conditions. Good air circulation helps prevent this, and a diluted vinegar solution or neem extract can be sprayed at the first signs of infection.