In a couple of weeks, the two in the ground were dead--brought down by a combination of wayward chickens and whatever it is that makes my garden bad for okra. But, the one in the container survived. I had the plant in a fairly sunny spot and watered it often, and it eventually grew big enough to produce some lovely blossoms. Like eggplant, okra has such pretty flowers you could almost grow it as an ornamental.
From this one blooming plant, I got a grand total of... four okra! Small victories, people. (That should be the official motto of my garden.) All four were a pretty good size--two to three inches--and very tasty. I love the flavor and crunch of fresh okra.
To be honest, the plant never really got very bushy and kind of struggled along. I think I might do better next year with more container plants and some careful tending. I am determined to get at least a double digit okra harvest this coming summer. I've been getting some great compost from my bin lately, so that should help.
We love okra. I want to try it in a container, too; but with out traveling, I don't know that we'll have much success.
Good luck to you! :-)
I just discovered your blog and enjoy it very much. I am a master gardener/blogger living in Central Virginia and grew okra for the first time this year. I selected an organic seed by Ferry Morse Clemson Spineless #80. This was a lucky choice indeed, as it is so tender even when picked at four inches! I normally like to harvest them when they are the size of my thumb, as picky southern folks suspect tough going when the veggie is any larger. NOT SO! I keep the larger ones for my salads and love them RAW, sliced in 1/4" slices, tossed with my favorite dressing.
I started these seeds indoors weeks before the soil was warm, yet if you are in CA, seeds may be sowed directly in the garden when the ground is warm. I have two rows planted in a 12' raised bed and harvest daily, and reap a quart of tender pods weekly. And the flowers are very exotic indeed. Check out my blog @ dianelasauce.blogspot.com