[Beginners Guide] How To Grow Okra In the Philippines

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In the Philippines, okra is a popular vegetable, enjoyed by households in all parts of the country. Growing okra is seen as a very profitable and affordable venture, as it is easy to set up, and cultivate, and is not prone to pests or diseases. This makes it a great choice for farmers who want to get started in the agricultural industry.

Setting up an okra farm in the Philippines starts with selecting the right planting site, selecting quality okra variety, soil preparation, okra seed planting, caring for the okra, and harvesting.

Okra farming with local resources can be a cost-effective way for farmers to generate income and provide their families with enough food without worrying about money.

How To Grow Okra In the Philippines

Table of Contents

Growing okra in the Philippines is not difficult and almost anyone can carry out this venture. To help ease the journey, we have compiled and discussed the step-by-step guide on how to grow okra in the Philippines.

Step 1: Select the Right Planting Site

To get the most out of your okra crop, select a location that receives a lot of suns that gets at least 6 hours of full sun every day. The soil’s pH should be between 6.5 and 7.0. If necessary, you can enrich the soil with compost, bagged organic fertilizer, or 4-6-6 slow-release fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients for your okra plants to grow and bear fruit.

Step 2: Select Quality Okra Variety

It’s essential to choose high-quality okra seeds for your okra farming journey. To acquire the best seeds or sprouted okra plants, visit an agro-shop, garden, or nursery, or seek the advice of a professional husbandry farmer.

The okra seeds should be of high quality and be resistant to pests and diseases. It is best to go for genetically modified okra seeds that have these characteristics. Also, choose an okra variety that adapts to the climate and soil condition of the planting site.

Step 3: Soil Preparation

Make sure to prepare the soil by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. You can also add some organic matter such as compost or manure to the soil to enrich it and increase drainage.

Step 4: Okra Seed Planting

It’s time to start planting okra in your garden when the weather is warm. For direct planting, you can soak the seeds overnight before planting or freeze them to crack the shells and speed up germination. sow the seeds 4 inches apart at a 1⁄2-inch depth.

Alternatively, you can purchase already sprouted seedlings and plant them in the prepared farmland. Transplant them 2 to 3 feet apart, and make sure to water them well. When transplanting seedlings, take care not to damage their small taproots, as crushing them can prevent the seedlings from thriving.

Step 5. Care for the Okra

Okra plant care and management are important. There are several routine activities you need to perform daily to ensure your okra plant grows healthily and produces a high yield.

Adequate Watering

In times of drought, it is wise to frequently water your okra plant. However, avoid overwatering, as the plant does not require much water. Provide no more than an inch of water per week, either through irrigation or rain.

When watering, ensure the water is directed towards the ground rather than the foliage to avoid disease. The best time of day to water is in the morning, as the sun will evaporate any water left on the leaves before nightfall.

Fertilizer Application

At planting time, okra benefits from the addition of finished compost or organic matter to provide necessary fertility. To further increase yield, a light monthly application of organic fertilizer, like a 3-4-4 or fish emulsion or seaweed-based fertilizer, should be applied. When using fertilizer, however, it’s important to not exceed the manufacturer’s instructions, as too much fertilizer can be damaging.

Thinning

Once the seeds you planted have grown to 7.6 cm high, thin out the weaker seedlings so that the strongest ones have spaced 1 to 0.3 to 0.6 m apart, with rows 0.9 m apart. If you transplanted seedlings started indoors, you do not need to thin them.

Weed Control

To ensure successful okra production, weed and pest control are important management practices. Several methods of weed control can be employed, such as the use of cover crops and mulches, cultivation, hand weeding, and targeted herbicide applications for common weeds in a specific field. Early identification of pests and diseases is essential for the successful management of okra.

Mulching

Mulching is essential for growing okra. To keep weeds at bay, cover the area around the seedlings with a thick layer of mulch, such as pine straw. This will stop other weeds from sprouting and dominating the bed.

Pest and Disease Control

Regularly inspecting the stems and leaves of okra plants for pests and diseases is key to managing them. Common pests such as aphids, stinkbugs, and corn earworms can cause holes and yellowing leaves, while diseases such as blossom blight, powdery mildew, and root-knot nematode can also affect okra.

To naturally protect okra plants from pests, cover them with a row cover from the start. Additionally, pick bugs off by hand or spray the leaves with soapy water to keep them away. If a particular pathogen becomes a recurring problem, practice crop rotation to reduce the chance of infection.

Step 6. Harvesting

You can start harvesting the okra pods when they are 3-4 inches long and before they start to get too big and woody. Cut the pods off at the stem and discard any diseased or damaged pods.

Varieties of Okra in the Philippines

There are several varieties of okra that are commonly grown in the Philippines. Some of the most popular varieties include Clemson Spineless, Louisiana Green Velvet, Emerald, and Cow Horn. These varieties are known for their high yield potential and resistance to common diseases and pests.

How much is Okra sold in the Philippines

The price of okra in the Philippines varies depending on several factors such as season, location, and market demand. On average, okra is sold for around Php 40 to Php 60 per kilogram in wet markets, while in supermarkets it can cost between Php 80 to Php 100 per kilogram.

Best Agronomic Practices To Engage In Growing Okra In The Philippines

To achieve a high yield of okra in the Philippines, it is important to follow these best agronomic practices:

Planting: Okra should be planted during the rainy season, around May to August. The recommended spacing between plants is 50cm x 50cm.

Fertilization: Apply 150-200kg of well-decomposed organic fertilizer per hectare. During the vegetative stage, apply 46-0-0 urea fertilizer at a rate of 100g per plant every two weeks.

Irrigation: Okra needs regular watering to grow well. Irrigate the plants every two to three days to maintain soil moisture.

Pest and disease control: Use natural pest control methods such as neem oil and garlic extract to prevent pests and diseases. Practice crop rotation to avoid soil-borne diseases.

Harvesting: Okra should be harvested every other day to encourage continuous fruiting. Cut the fruits with a sharp knife, leaving a small portion of the stem intact.

Projected Profit of Okra in the Philippines

The profitability of okra farming in the Philippines depends on various factors such as market demand, cost of production, and yield.

With proper farming practices, it is possible to yield up to 20 tons per hectare and sell them at a price range of Php 40 to Php 60 per kilogram.

Based on this projection, the potential profit per hectare of okra farming in the Philippines can range from Php 100,000 to Php 200,000.

Common Diseases And Pests Of Okra

Okra is susceptible to various pests and diseases in the Philippines. Some of the common pests include aphids, fruit borers, and whiteflies, while diseases include powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, and root rot.

To treat these pests and diseases, use natural pest control methods such as neem oil and garlic extract, and practice crop rotation to avoid soil-borne diseases. For severe infestations, chemical control methods may be necessary.

Different Propagation Methods Of Okra

Okra can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds are the most common method of propagation, and they should be planted in well-prepared soil at a depth of 1-2cm.

Cuttings, on the other hand, should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants and planted in a well-draining medium.

Best Month To Plant Okra In The Philippines

The best month to plant okra in the Philippines is April to May.

How Many Days Does Okra Grow

Okra takes between 50 and 70 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety.

Okra Farm In The Philippines

Okra farms are a common sight in the Philippines, as the country is the world’s third-largest producer of okra. Okra is a popular vegetable that is used in many dishes and is often boiled, canned, or pickled.

Okra farming in the Philippines is also a source of income for many small-scale farmers, who grow the crop on a large scale for export. Farmers typically use organic farming methods and grow okra in a variety of soil types, using a variety of planting and harvesting techniques.

Okra Plant Height In 1 Week

Okra plants typically reach a height of 18-24 inches in 1 week.

Growing Okra In Containers

Okra can be grown in containers that are at least 12 inches deep and wide. Plant okra from seed or transplants and place them in a sunny spot. Water regularly and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks. Harvest the pods when they are 3–4 inches long.

Okra Growing Stages

Okra grows best with 12–18 hours of direct sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil. Planting should occur 2–3 weeks after the last spring frost. Germination takes place 7–10 days after planting. Okra should be harvested when the pods are 4–6 inches long, about 60–70 days after planting.

Narrative Report About Planting Okra

Okra was planted on a sunny day in the garden. The soil was well-tilled, and the okra seeds were planted at the recommended depth. After planting, the garden was watered regularly and mulched to retain moisture.

The okra grew quickly and soon began producing flowers. Within a few weeks, the okra was producing edible pods. The pods were harvested and enjoyed by the family. The okra was a success and will be planted again next season.

Planting Season Of Okra In The Philippines

Okra is typically planted in the Philippines during the wet season, which runs from May to October. The ideal time to start planting is between mid-May and mid-June when temperatures are warm and the soil is moist. Okra is best planted in a sunny, well-drained location and should be spaced out at least 2 feet apart.

How Many Months Does Okra Take To Grow

Okra typically takes around 2-3 months to reach maturity.

How Much Is Okra In The Philippines

Okra is available in the Philippines for an average of P35 to P50 per kilogram.

How To Grow Okra At Home

Purchase Okra seeds or seedlings from a local nursery
Plant the seedlings or sow the seeds in a sunny area with well-draining soil

Add a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged
Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer

Harvest the okra pods when they are still young and tender

What Is The Best Okra To Grow

The best variety of okra to grow depends on the grower’s climate, soil type, and desired flavor. Generally, warm-season varieties like Clemson Spineless, Perkins Mammoth, and Cajun Delight are popular favorites. All are relatively high-yielding, disease-resistant, and easy to grow.

Conclusion

Realizing your dream of becoming a farmer can be made possible by starting an okra farm. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can enjoy the countless benefits of okra farming. Plant fresh okra year-round and you will have increased sales. You can also sell okra to local restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets.

Moreover, okra can be used to produce a variety of products like pickles, jams, and jellies. Local climate also plays a role in determining if okra can be used as a cash crop. All in all, okra farming can be a great way to be successful.

[Beginners Guide] How To Grow Okra In the Philippines