<p>65 days. Plants are medium in height and strongly branching. The long, tender, flavourful green pods are best picked at 7-9cm (3-4 in.). Extended cool, cloudy weather causes some blossoms to drop.</p><p>CULTURE: Sow in pots or cell-type containers (3 seeds per cell or container). Cut, don’t pull out, the small ones and discard. Sow in mid-April, and transplant 5 weeks later. Keep the starting mix at 27-32 deg. C (80-90 deg. F) for fast emergence. This will avoid seed decay. Transplant when soil is really warm. Dark plastic mulch will help (see page 77). Plant 30-45cm (1-11/2 ft.) apart in rows 1m (3 ft.) apart. <br>HARVEST: Cut off the 8-10cm (3-4 in.) pods regularly to keep plants producing. <br>SEEDSPEC: Minimum germination standard: 55%. Days to emergence: 7-14. Optimum soil temperature range for germination: 20-35 deg. C (70-95 deg. F). Days to maturity: from date of transplanting. Approx. 20 seeds/g. Usual seed life: 2 years.</p><p>Although it is a southern specialty, it can be grown on the Coast much like tomatoes. Used in specialty stir-fries, soups, salads... and of course, gumbo.</p>
