Okra
Okra
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a heat-loving vegetable in the Hibiscus family. It is particularly popular in the South, where the immature pods are used as an ingredient and thickening agent in soups, stews, and gumbos. Okra can also be boiled, fried, or pickled.
Key Requirements
| Land | Low |
| Labor | High |
| Capital | Medium |
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Markets
- Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Market
- CSA
- Restaurants
Pest & Disease
Okra is highly susceptible to root knot nematodes. Other common diseases include fungal wilts and fruit rots. Insect pests include aphids, Japanese beetles and corn earworms.
$7640
Cost per Acre
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
$455
Returns per Acre
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Challenges
- Labor intensive, especially when pods are ready to be harvested.
Opportunities
- Will grow on a wide range of soil types as long as the site is well-drained.
- High yields have been obtained with transplanted okra using black plastic mulch and drip irrigation.