Phoenix, Arizona offers ideal conditions for backyard gardeners to cultivate a diverse range of crops. One such vegetable, okra, LOVES the desert heat and provides a delicious addition to any home garden. With its distinctive flavor and numerous health benefits, okra is a valuable vegetable to grow. In this blog post, I provide you with practical insights on successfully growing okra in Phoenix, AZ, and helping you achieve a great harvest both in the garden and on the dinner plate!
Selecting Suitable Varieties:
As we all know, Phoenix summers are HOT. Here are a few Heat tolerant Okra varieties that do well in our heat.
- Clemson Spineless: Clemson Spineless is a popular variety known for its heat tolerance and high yields. It produces tender, spineless pods that are perfect for cooking.
- Emerald: Emerald is another okra variety that loves hot climates. It’s known for its dark green pods and good flavor.
- Burgundy: Burgundy okra is a unique variety with really cool looking deep red pods. Really it’s a 2 for 1… you get a splash of color, and it handles the heat.
- Annie Oakley II: Annie Oakley II is a heat-tolerant okra variety that has green pods and red tips. It is known as a good producer and has great flavor.
- Lee: Lee okra is yet another variety that does well in the heat. These reliably produce tender, ribbed pods.
Soil Preparation:
Soil is probably the most important component for any garden, when it comes to okra, it’s no different. Increase your soil fertility and drainage by incorporating organic matter such as compost and/or manure, again I am a huge fan of Mel’s mix (which is used for square foot gardening).
Planting and Spacing:
In Phoenix, begin sowing okra seeds indoors during early spring, typically around March. Plant the seeds at a depth of one inch in pots or trays. Once the seedlings reach a height of three to four inches, you can transplant them into your garden.
When transplanting, make sure you space the okra plants far enough apart, leaving 12 to 18 inches between them, and if you are doing multiple rows, maintain approximately three feet of distance between rows. This spacing encourages sufficient sunlight exposure and airflow, fostering robust growth while minimizing disease risks.
After the weather has warmed up a bit near the end of March okra seeds can be directly planted into garden (in fact this is the preferred method for growing okra). The best part about okra is that this crop can be planted in the garden all the way through May and will produce pods all the way through summer.
Watering and Mulching:
Watering plays a vital role in growing okra plants, particularly in Phoenix’s dry climate. Provide deep and regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist without waterlogging. Focus on watering at the base of the plants to prevent leaf diseases.
To conserve moisture and suppress weed growth, apply organic mulch around the base of the okra plants. Straw, wood chips, or grass clippings are excellent options for retaining moisture and stabilizing soil temperature.
Fertilizing and Maintenance:
While okra plants are relatively low-maintenance, regular fertilization enhances their productivity. Use organic fertilizers or slow-release granular fertilizers that provide essential nutrients throughout the growing season. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully, ensuring you don’t over-fertilize.
Monitor your okra plants for common pests like aphids, spider mites, or stink bugs. Regularly inspect leaves, stems, and undersides for signs of infestation. If necessary, use organic pest control methods like insecticidal soaps or neem oil to combat pests effectively.
Harvesting and Storage:
Okra is typically ready for harvest within 55 to 60 days after planting. Harvest the pods when they are young and tender, measuring around three to four inches in length. Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the pods from the plant, taking care not to harm the stem or leaves.
For the best flavor and tenderness, harvest the pods every two to three days. If you don’t plan to use them immediately, store the harvested okra in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. This storage method helps keep okra fresh for up to a week.
Okra pods grow EXTREMELY fast, make sure to get them before they get too large. While 3-4 days is fine, it’s not unreasonable to say that you should check them each morning. If they do get too big, they will be woody and inedible. At that point the only thing they are really good for is to use in a flower bouquet.
Conclusion:
Growing okra in your Phoenix, AZ backyard garden is a ton of fun and has a lot of rewards. Okra’s ability to grow in high temperatures, coupled with its delectable taste, makes it a valuable addition to any home garden. By following the practical steps in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to grow healthy okra plants and reap the benefits of your hard work. So roll up your sleeves, prepare your soil, and throw some okra in your garden.
Get out and Garden!