[mabel]

Went to see Demitris at the Garden Centre the other day and he had some plants which looked a bit like courgettes but with paler leaves.  I asked him what they were and he gave me a name in greek but did not know the english for this.  I took a vegetable book down to see if he could see it but it was not in there.  He saw some Evening Primrose seed pods which he said it looked like them but the flowers were not the same. Anyway, I said I would  have some and he gave me 4 pots in which there were double seedlings (he is a little love) so I have now got 8 plants.  going though another book today I recognised them as okra.  Now, I have never even bought this let alone cooked it or grown it.  Anyone any advice! Does it taste nice, how do you grow it etc.  any advice gratefully received.

[compostqueen]

I tried to grow it from seed last March but it damped off when we had a cold spell. A bit like now     Still, got some seed left so might have another go.  They're tender so going to need growing under glass with support

I like okra (or gumbo) but some folks think it's slimy.  I made Sambar and put okra in it  

[mabel]

Well, dont eat shellfish (allergic) and dont like curry things so it seems a bit of a waste of time growing ocra.  Still, can always give it away.  thanks for the info.

[gobs]

We don't like them, Mabel, but first time this year I'm growing some. Thing is everything taste better from the garden and they are good thickeners in stews, etc, if nothing else, but I think worth growing for the beautiful flower alone.

Should be warm enough where you are.

[mabel]

I will definitely find a space for them and try them once they have grown.  do they sort of disintegrate in stews or what?  

Dont know about warm enough, if it doesn't stop raining might just be growing rice :shock:   Garden flooded again but forecast dry and warm for the rest of the week.  Not grumbling, saw your weather so will count my blessings.  

[gobs]

Not that easily but if you chop them up, more less can treat as chopped tomato for thickening sauces and the likes.

I think the flowers are also scented.

[mabel]

sounds quite nice.  try anything once.  

[dawninspain]

Hi Mabel

We grew okra last summer.Be prepared for huge quantities - the plants go mad. Best to pick it when smallish (sayabout 2 inches) as they go tough and stringy on the plant if left too long. We still have quite a lot in the freezer. We eat it as a pasta sauce mixed in with tomatoes and onions or as an indian vegetable (we use a Madra Jaffrey recipe). We find that there are only limited days a year when you fancy eating okra - its a rather strange veg. Not sure we will bother growing it this year.

Dawn

[Oliveview]

Is it nasty weather with you Dawn?  It´s been evil here.

The okra sounds a bit like the asparagus peas I am growing- pretty flowers but ´peas´ rubbish   Put them in my flower bed seeing as the flower is supposed to be so pretty.

Good Luck with the Okra Mabel
Pamela