Candle Fire F1 Okra

Candle Fire F1 Okra

The Candle Fire F1 Okra is a captivating departure from traditional ribbed okra. This variety features smooth, round pods that are not only visually stunning but also boast a vibrant true red color. With a rapid maturity of just 30 days, it ensures a bountiful harvest of succulent fruit, even in northern climates.

Key Features:

• Pod Profile: Smooth and round
• Color: Brilliant true red
• Days to Maturity: 30 days
• Yield: Heavy yielding with vigorous growth

These ornamental plants are not only disease-resistant but also highly productive, making them a great choice for both culinary and ornamental uses. Enjoy fresh-picked okra in homemade gumbo or as an alternative to peppers in rellenos and ethnic Mediterranean and Indian dishes.

Growing Information:

• Soil Temperature for Germination: 70–90°F
• Seed Depth: ½ inch
• Days to Emergence: 7–15 days
• Soil Temperature for Transplanting: 65°F
• Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches
• Row Spacing: 36 inches
• Fertilizer Needs: Medium
• Minimum Germination Rate: 65%
• Seeds per Gram: Approximately 14–17
• Seed Life: 2 years

Cultural Practices:

• Okra thrives in warm temperatures; ensure stable temperatures above 65°F for optimal growth
• Raised beds covered with plastic mulch can improve yields
• Use row covers to increase warmth and protect plants from pests until blooming
• Apply 2 cups of complete fertilizer per 10 row feet, along with 1 inch of compost

Direct Sowing:

• Soaking seeds in warm (110°F) water for 2 hours can help soften the hard seed coat and hasten germination
• Space seeds 4-6 inches apart and thin plants when they have two sets of true leaves

Transplanting:

• Start seeds indoors 3-5 weeks before the anticipated transplant date in 3 or 4-inch pots
• Incorporate ¼ cup of complete fertilizer around each plant during transplanting to avoid shock

Pest and Disease Management:

• Common Insects: Cucumber beetles; control with pyrethrin and row covers
• Common Diseases: Verticillium & Fusarium wilt and various fungal diseases; prevent with crop rotation every 3–4 years

Harvesting and Storage:

• Harvest pods when they are about 3 inches long, typically 4-6 days after flowering
• Regular harvesting encourages continuous production
• Store harvested pods at 45-50°F with 90-95% relative humidity for optimal freshness