Your comments and tips

26 Feb 10, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

We're harvesting Okra most days now. I clip them off the plant when they're a bit bigger than my biggest finger and store them in the fridge. Once we have about 6-7 we cook them. Our favourite is with tomatoes: saute onion, then saute Okra a few minutes, add tomatoes and cook about 10 mins, let sit 5 mins. You can add spices like cumin/cardamon too if you like.

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26 Feb 10, Hoi (Australia - temperate climate)

I love okra, do you think if i start planting it now and it will last through winter? Or does it die during winter and spring back to life after that? I am not greeb thumb but trying my best... home grown vegies are the best in taste! my kids love it and so am i

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07 Mar 10, bazbina (Australia - tropical climate)

i grow my okra in Brisbane qld and get the best results-in sandy soil ,i love cooking them in my favorite best way to cook okra is the Lebanese way ,which you have to deep fry first as a whole until golden brown so the gummy feel goes away,and then you saute 1 slice onion,1 clove of garlic,coriander 1/2 kg cube sliced lamb meat,cook all together until meat are golden brown...next add 2 cups of water bring it to boil for 20 minutes with lid on until meat is tender .add some of your favorite spice such as cumin ,nutmeg,white pepper and after it has been reduced add 2 table spoon of pomegranate paste or tammerin Indian paste same taste ,and 3 soup spoon of tomato paste bring to simmer for 10 minutes ..served with rice dish on the side

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24 Mar 10, Kathie (Australia - tropical climate)

Simple quick recipe - Wash the outside and dry with a paper towel. (If they are wet they seem to get extra gooey.) Fry up some bacon, then add sliced okra and fry further. I did try them deep fried in crumbs but that was in the southern states of America!

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03 Apr 10, Raelene (Australia - temperate climate)

Have tried for past three years to grow okra, with no success. Have asked many people, and no -one knows what it is or how to grow. Love it in stews and soups. This site has helped, but now have to wait until next spring/summer to try again. I am in southern victoria.

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09 Oct 10, Dana (Australia - temperate climate)

Okra needs really warm weather and plenty of sun. Southern Victoria may be too cold for it to succeed. You could try starting the seeds early and planting in the hottest spot in your garden.

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02 Dec 10, Sam (Australia - arid climate)

I have heard of using black plastic as mulch, or no mulch, to help warm up the soil for Tomatoes. (The dark colours absorb more heat, whereas straw mulch reflects the sun's heat away). Then you mulch later on when the weather warms up. Maybe that will help with your Okra. Even 20C is very warm, for soil. Maybe you need to plant it a little later or in better sun?

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08 Apr 10, Raji (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Okra seeds needs warm soil to germinate. Once it is established you can harvest until May. Easy recipe: wash dry cut the top off. Boil with sliced onion, split green chillies, coconut milk, curry leaves and salt. Do not put the spoon in the pan. Shake the pan instead if you want everything to mix well. after 10-15 minutes remove from stove and add lime juice. Enjoy.

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24 May 10, Anita (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Can I keep my okra plants in the vege patch for more than one season? Can they be pruned back and take a rest until next spring when they could releaf? Being related to hibiscus I thought this may be feasible. Many thanks for feedback.

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27 May 10, Jean (Australia - tropical climate)

If it's warm enough okra can be grown as a perennial and will grow year after year. You just need to pick all the pods so it doesn't give up producing. You can cut them back to about 30cm and give them a good feed every so often. They'll grow into a sort of shrub.

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