Botanical Information for Elephant Tusk Okra:
- Scientific Name: Abelmoschus esculentus
- Origin: Kerala, India
- Plant Height: 6 to 8 feet tall
- Pod Length: 8 to 12 inches
- Days to Maturity: 50-60 days
- Pod Color: Light green
- Leaf Texture: Smooth, spineless pods resembling elephant tusks
- Usage: Excellent for frying, soups, and stews; tender even when pods are long
- Cultivar Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated
Growing Information:
- Soil Preparation: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil, such as sandy loam, rich in organic matter.
- Seed Pre-Treatment: Soak seeds overnight to improve germination.
- Planting Depth: Sow seeds ½ inch deep directly in the garden or start indoors.
- Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows spaced 24-36 inches.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
- Sunlight: Requires full sun, about 6-8 hours per day.
- Temperature: Thrives in warm climates with optimal temperatures between 24-32°C.
- Harvesting: Harvest pods when they are 8-10 inches long for optimal tenderness. Regular harvesting encourages more pod production.
Venkatesh Kattimani –
Very impressed with the Elephant Tusk Okra! The germination rate was exceptional – every seed I sowed sprouted. The plants were vigorous and required little attention. The pods grew incredibly long, making it a standout variety in my garden.
SURENDER SELVARAJ –
Long pods, tall plants, huge leaves, not as many pods as other varieties.
santosh nagar –
Took a little time to produce but when it started it was amazing. Pods grew exceptionally long, stayed soft even at 10 inches, and were very tasty.
Abhilash Yadav –
It’s like the mutant of the okra world!