bhendi/okra/ vendakkai

🌿 Bhendi (Okra) Seed Sowing Guide

1. Season

Can be grown almost year-round in warm climates.

Best sowing seasons in India:

Summer crop: Jan–March

Kharif crop: June–July

Rabi crop (mild climates): Oct–Nov

2. Soil Preparation

Well-drained, fertile sandy loam to clay loam soils are suitable.

Soil pH: 6.5 – 7.5.

Add 10–12 tons FYM/acre and plough soil finely before sowing.

3. Seed Treatment

Okra seeds have a hard seed coat → soak in water for 12–18 hrs to improve germination.

Alternatively: treat with Trichoderma / Bavistin for disease prevention.

4. Sowing Method

Direct sowing in ridges or beds.

Depth: 2–3 cm.

Spacing:

Row to row: 45–60 cm

Plant to plant: 20–30 cm

Usually 2–3 seeds per hole, then thin to 1 healthy plant.

5. Germination

Takes 5–7 days under warm conditions.

6. Watering

Light irrigation immediately after sowing.

Keep soil moist, not waterlogged.

Water at 7–10 day intervals depending on season.

7. Intercultural Operations

Weeding & hoeing 2–3 times during crop growth.

Apply NPK fertilizers in split doses for better yield.

8. Harvest

First harvest: 45–55 days after sowing (variety dependent).

Harvest tender pods every 2–3 days to encourage continuous yield.