Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) popularly known as bhendi kai in kannada or bhendi in hindi is an annual vegetable crop. one of the most nutrient rich vegetables, the high iodine content in the fruit is used to control goitre, while leaves are used as anti inflamatory & dysentery. the dry seed contains excellent amount of edible oils & proteins, and it is extensively used in cosmetic industries & soap industries. the crushed seed is given to cattle to increase milk production
the above photo taken on feb 25, 2009 shows okra plants grown together with cowpea. germination was observed in 4 days time. in the field, the seed takes a lot of time to germinate as seeds show high degree of dormancy and generally takes up to 7 days to germinate.
a clear photo of okra seedling
the above 2 pics show me slowly lifting the plant ready to transplant in tomato boxes i converted as grow beds. one has to be careful not to damage the roots as they can snap easily. light watering must be done first, and the substrate loosened. then the plant has to be scooped up with the substrate around it intact.
a close up of the roots, well defined & good network
immediately after transplanting, nutrient water must be added till it starts to drain outthe transplanting pics were taken on march 1, 2009
the above photo shows great shoot and leaf development. notice at the growing inter nodes of the plants, flower buds have started to developphoto was taken on march 13, 2009 just 12 days after transplanting.
the above photo was clicked at night, hence the slight drooping of leaves in the absence of light.here bhendi is successfully grown without soil.
all photos and data by pritham dsouza. to view photos in original size, click on photo to enlarge
Dear Pretham D'Souza,
ReplyDeleteWhy black colour plastic sheet ?
thanks for visiting my blog... the black color sheet is used as if absorbs sunlight the best & at night reflects it the best... the main purpose is to keep the substrates moist, not too damp, but adequately moist, and black color plastic sheet is the best n also scientifically proven. in the field it also acts as a great mulch...
ReplyDeletethanks n cheers
Good day Preetham,
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at those pictures. I would like to try it in my house too. Will you be able to explain step by atep how to go about the entire cultivation process? I am very much interested in gardening.
m very much interested ,could u explain me step by step hw to set up hydroponic system my mail id is vikasjain1050@gmail.com
ReplyDeletei am living in flat is it possible to grow okra in balcony without direct sunlight
ReplyDeletehello and thanks for stopping by. u can grow okra on the Terrance of ur flats or even the balcony but OKRA is a sun loving plant and it needs a lot of direct sun light. at least 8 to 12 hours of sun light
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