Okra is becoming increasingly popular and can now be obtained from numerous sources. We show what you should pay attention to when buying okra.
okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) are certainly not on the radar of most hobby gardeners when it comes to unusual and new types of vegetables. However, with a little finesse, the trendy vegetable can also be grown in your own garden. The first step to your own okra plant is of course the purchase. In our article we will tell you what to look out for when buying okra and where you can get it from.
buy okra
Many only know okra from African or Asian cuisine. There, okra has been used in the kitchen and as a remedy for centuries. But they are also interesting for growing in the garden. With the right care, they promise a rich harvest and the flowers also beautify every bed. However, since okra is still relatively new to our garden landscape, it is not that easy to get hold of your own okra plant.
Buying okra: You should pay attention to this
Okra is very sensitive to cold and is therefore not often cultivated here. It is therefore all the more difficult to purchase okra for your own cultivation. You usually look in vain for young plants, because these are hardly ever offered for sale. You will have better luck with seeds, from which you can then grow young plants yourself.
When buying the seeds, pay attention to the variety of okra. This determines, among other things, the location requirements of the plant and also the size and color of the pods. You should also pay attention to the shelf life of the seeds when buying seeds. Okra seeds lose their ability to germinate over time. However, when stored properly, most vegetable seeds have a shelf life of about one to two years.
Recommended sources of supply for okra
Finding okra seedlings can turn out to be quite an odyssey. In the spring you might be lucky with it at specialized nurseries or at the weekly market. Okra seed is easier to come by than seedlings. You can find it, for example, in garden centers, nurseries and of course on the Internet. If you would like to have your seeds conveniently delivered to your home, we have put together a selection of recommended sources of supply for you on the global network.
Recommended sources of supply for okra seed:
- Zollinger Bio: The Swiss company relies on self-reliant seed propagation, completely organic and GMO-free. You can also buy okra seed in the online shop.
- seed house Müller: This seed dealer offers seeds from many different manufacturers, some of them also in organic quality. Okra seeds are also offered for delivery.
- Templin garden herbs: The Templin nursery sells seeds and young plants, including okra seeds.
- dry seeds: The family business has been producing seeds of all kinds, flower bulbs and onion sets since 1870. You can also find organic okra seeds in the online shop.
- eBay Classifieds: You can find what is probably the largest selection of okra seeds on this online platform. Here private individuals, hobby gardeners and dealers offer a wide variety of okra seeds. You can also find something here in spring if you are looking for young okra plants.
Once you have purchased your okra seed, the next step is to cultivate and care for the delicious and healthy pod. Everything you need to know about okra can be found in our overview article on the subject.