What is okra: how to grow an exotic plant at home

Okra, also known as "okra" or "ladies' fingers", is gradually gaining popularity among gardeners and gourmets. It has numerous beneficial properties and can become an indispensable ingredient in many dishes.

It is also quite possible to grow this plant at home. About its advantages and technology of cultivation read in the material OBOZ.UA.

Spheres of application of okra

Thanks to its nutritional properties, okra is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, B, as well as potassium, calcium, iron, folic acid, etc. In cooking, young, immature fruits, up to 10 cm long, are used. They have a predominantly neutral, but at the same time delicate, slightly sweetish flavor. They can be both fried, stewed, boiled, pickled, and consumed raw.

Also, the vegetable can be used in cosmetology. Its pulp relieves the skin from dryness, flaking and rashes of various origins. Also okra gives the skin a healthy color and is an excellent component for a hair mask.

Useful properties of okra

Okra has powerful tonic, antiseptic, rejuvenating properties and increases immunity. It also helps stabilize intestinal microflora, lower cholesterol, blood sugar and bile levels, and flushes toxins and toxins out of the body.

In addition, okra pods are consumed to prevent certain diseases such as cataracts, diseases of the circulatory and vascular system, and to maintain healthy bones and muscles.

When and how to plant okra pods

Bamia belongs to the mallow family and is an annual plant that grows up to one to two meters in height. Its pods have a characteristic long shape with a ribbed surface and can reach a length of 5 to 15 centimeters.

Bamia takes root best in the open ground from seedlings. In March, seeds are sown in pots and covered with film or glass. Before the appearance of sprouts, the temperature in the room should be about 20 degrees. After - the temperature is reduced to 15 degrees. When the seedlings reach a height of 10-15 cm, it is transplanted into well-prepared soil, without weeds.

After planting the plants are covered with a film and provide regular watering. After reaching a height of 40 cm, the plant should be grafted to stimulate better development of side shoots.

Feed the plant every two weeks, using a solution of 20 grams of ash per bucket of water.

Harvesting

Gathering okra should be done carefully, since its fruits are covered with fluff, which can cause allergies. Therefore, it is better to collect them with gloves. But after heat treatment, this dusting becomes harmless.

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