Here's a clear and practical description of growing okra (lady's finger) from seed — perfect for home gardeners or small-scale farming:

🌱 Okra Seed Growing Description
🌾 General Overview:

Common Name: Okra, Lady's Finger, Bhindi

Scientific Name: Abelmoschus esculentus

Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)

Type: Warm-season, fast-growing annual vegetable

Origin: Africa and South Asia

🌿 Seed Description:

Shape & Size: Small, round, and hard

Color: Light gray, brown, or greenish

Germination Time: 7–14 days under warm conditions

🧑‍🌾 How to Grow Okra from Seeds
🌡️ 1. Choose the Right Time:

Best Sowing Time:

After the last frost, when soil temperature is consistently above 18°C (65°F)

In tropical climates, it can be sown year-round

🌱 2. Seed Preparation:

Soak seeds in warm water for 8–12 hours before planting

Softens the seed coat and improves germination

(Optional) Nick the seed coat with a file or sandpaper to speed up sprouting

🪴 3. Sowing the Seeds:

Sowing Depth: 1.5 to 2 cm (½ to ¾ inch) deep

Spacing:

Row spacing: 60–75 cm (2–2.5 feet)

Plant spacing: 30 cm (1 foot) apart

Soil Requirements:

Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil

Rich in organic matter

pH 6.0–6.8

Light: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily)

💧 4. Watering:

Keep soil evenly moist during germination

Once established, water regularly but avoid waterlogging

Drought-tolerant once mature

🌿 5. Growth & Care:

Thinning: Thin seedlings to strongest plants once 4–5 inches tall

Weeding: Keep soil free from weeds, especially in early stages

Mulching: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds

Fertilizing:

Use compost or balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) at planting

Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer during flowering

🌸 6. Flowering & Fruiting:

Time to Harvest: 50–65 days after sowing

Harvest:

Pick pods when 2.5–4 inches (6–10 cm) long — tender stage

Harvest every 2–3 days to encourage continuous production

✅ Tips for Success:

Use fresh seeds — viability decreases with age

Stake tall varieties if needed

Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk

Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil-borne pests