How to Grow Okra Indoors

Overview

Found towering overhead in full-sun gardens and fried to perfection alongside mashed potatoes, okra is a hardy, high-yielding crop that's been a Southern staple for centuries. Okra is drought and heat tolerant, thus, growing okra outdoors is a cinch. Replicating its preferred environment and successfully growing okra indoors requires a bit more preparation.

Step 1

Soak okra seeds in water overnight. Place three seeds per peat pot in germination tray.

Step 2

Place germination tray under halide light fixtures in well-ventilated area. Use 40 watts per square foot of gardening space. Leave lights lit for 8 to 10 hours per day.

Step 3

Moisten peat pots daily. Water should remain present, but the peat pots should never drip or become soggy.

Step 4

Remove the two weakest plants three to five days after seeds sprout.

Step 5

Break open sides and bottom of moist, drained peat pot and place entire cell into soil-filled gardening container. Plant shallowly, 3 to 5 inches deep, as okra prefers well-drained soil.

Step 6

Water each plant with 1 inch of water per week. Maintain lighting schedule. Pods appear in approximately two months.

Step 7

Harvest pods of 2 to 4 inches long every two to three days. Pods will continue to produce after first harvest.