OKRA 



171 



known to most only in Gumbo soup. For an early 

 crop it is best started under glass, in pots, because it 

 transplants poorly. The pods, which form early, and 

 very quickly after flowering, should be picked before 



Fig. 79. Okra seedlings. Two-thirds natural size. 



they develop woody fibers, which spoil them for use; 

 the size of the pods at picking time depends upon the 

 variety. Varieties are several, being chiefly Tall Green, 

 Dwarf Green, and Lady-finger; the first two sub-divide 

 into long- and short-podded, the Lady-finger into 

 white- and green-podded. Types are likely to run to- 

 gether, and only the best seeds should be bought. The 

 varieties best for general use are the Dwarf Green Long- 

 pod and the White Lady-finger; the dwarf succeeds 

 best in the North. 



Soil should be light, warm, rich, and in the best 01 

 tilth. 



Distances are entirely according to the variety. 

 Rows thirty inches to five feet apart, plants in the row 



