Climate Conditions, Soil and Water Management

Okra is grown at elevations ranging from sea level to 1600m. The optimum temperatures for growth and production of high quality pods range between 24 and 30°C. The crop is sensitive to frost and temperatures below 12°C.

Okra will grow on a wide range of soils, but it prefers soils high in organic matter. When grown in sandy soils, it must be frequently fertilised, as soluble nutrients readily leach from the root zone. Its optimum range of soil pH is between 5.8 and 6.5. A soil test will indicate if lime is required to adjust the pH and the amount to apply. If lime is recommended, dolomite should be used, applied 3 to 4 months before the crop is seeded. Okra is sensitive to salinity.

Okra can grow in a wide range of rainfall regimes, but needs 400 mm of water for the growing period of about 3 months.

(Source: infonet biovision)