This is a vigorous, early and prolific variety with slender, smooth and spineless uniform pods and said to be one of the most reliable for our unreliable climate. If you’ve enjoyed “bhindi” in your Indian restaurant, do try these at home. 3ft (1m)
Also known as “Ladies’ Fingers”, this is rarely seen outside Indian restaurants, but the ribbed, pointed, fleshy, dark green seed pods are delicately flavoured and invaluable for adding body and interest to soups and casseroles. Alternatively, they can be used alone as a cooked vegetable. The interesting and attractive plants (actually Hibiscus esculentus) are not hard to raise and can be grown just like tomatoes, either in the greenhouse bed or in 8 or 10 in. plant pots. Will succeed out of doors in a good summer.
Germination Instructions
Sow indoors 3-5 weeks prior to last frost. Sow directly after last frost. Prior to sowing soak seed for 2 hours in warm water. Surface sow into individual pots of moist well-drained compost, just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil, or sow directly into prepared soil, 20mm deep in rows 90cm apart with 45cm spacing. Ideal temp. 18-25°C. Germination takes 10-15 days approx. For indoor sowings, acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed. Requires a min. growing temp. of 15°C.
Growing Instructions
In the UK possibly best grown under glass. Prefers a well-drained, humus-rich soil in full sun. Requires a minimum temp. of 15°C but prefers 25°C. If outside offer a warm sheltered location. Plants dislike cool nights. If grown under glass manual assistance with pollination may be needed.
Cultivation Instructions
The pods should be picked when tender and immature, about 8-10cm long, approx. 4-6 days after flowering. If pods are allowed to fully mature on the plant the plant will stop producing.
Sow Seeds – Mar/April indoors after frosts outdoors direct.
Harvest – July to September.