When it issue forth to fertilizing okra , one of the best options is Ca nitrate ( 15.5 - 0 - 0 ) . This fertilizer is plentiful in nitrogen , which is essential for promoting sizeable growth and development in plant . The calcium cognitive content in Ca nitrate also helps to prevent and right calcium deficiency in okra plant .
To apply calcium nitrate to okra , a process known as sidedressing is recommend . Sidedressing involves applying plant food to the soil around the base of the plant , rather than directly go for it to the leaf . This allows the roots to absorb the nutrient more effectively .
For okra , consider side dress with 3 to 6 pounds of calcium nitrate per 1,000 substantial feet of garden space . If you are growing okra in rows , you’re able to use 1 to 2 pound of calcium nitrate per 100 feet of row . This dosage will ensure that the plant incur an decent amount of nitrogen and Ca to corroborate their growth .
Sidedressing should be done at specific interval during the growing time of year . The first app program of calcium nitrate should be done around 3 to 4 workweek after planting the lady’s-finger seed or transplant seedling . This initial covering helps to provide a boost of nutrient to the young plants as they establish their ascendent systems .
The second sidedressing should be done at around 6 to 8 weeks after planting . By this time , the okra plants will be in their active ontogeny phase and will want additional nutrient to fuel their development . This second covering of calcium nitrate ensure that the plants continue to receive a firm supply of N and Ca throughout the growing season .
When applying the calcium nitrate , it is of import to dole out it equally around the groundwork of the plants . This can be done by mitt or using a small garden tool to gently integrate the fertilizer into the surface soil . Avoid applying the fertilizer directly onto the leaf or stems of the gumbo plants , as this can get electrocution or damage .
In addition to sidedressing with Ca nitrate , it is also good to incorporate organic matter into the grease before planting Abelmoschus esculentus . This can be done by adding compost or well - rot manure to the planting area . Organic topic aid to ameliorate dirt fertility , drain , and moisture retention , creating an optimal develop environment for okra .
In my personal experience , I have find that even sidedressing with calcium nitrate has importantly better the growth and yield of my okra plant . The nitrogen and calcium ply by the fertilizer have helped to promote lush foliage , strong stems , and abundant yield output . By following the recommended dosage and timing for sidedressing , I have been capable to maintain healthy and productive okra plants throughout the develop season .
To summarize , the best fertiliser for okra is atomic number 20 nitrate ( 15.5 - 0 - 0 ) . Sidedressing with 3 to 6 pounds per 1,000 straight feet or 1 to 2 pound sign per 100 feet of words is recommend . Sidedressing should be done at 3 to 4 hebdomad and again at 6 to 8 weeks after planting . incorporate constitutive issue into the soil before planting can also heighten the increment and productiveness of okra plant life . Happy gardening !
Caroline Bates
