Pusa Sawani

Family: Malvaceae Vegetable

Tender pods arrive early with a silken, crisp snap—Pusa Sawani’s slender, deep-green fruit feels velvety to the eye and wonderfully smooth to the touch.

Flavor is fresh and mild, with a clean, grassy sweetness that shines in quick-roasting trays, bright stir-fries, and spoon-ready sauces; the pods also hold up beautifully for pickling when harvested young. For home gardeners, this is a reliable 55-day performer that rewards attentive picking with a steady, garden-to-table rhythm of harvest.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 9th
Harvest Begins	Jul 3rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	12

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Pusa Sawani’s early, slender pods cook up with a crisp snap but still deliver that subtle okra mucilage, which becomes a slick, spoonable gloss when you reduce. It’s mild enough for bright acids like lemon and tomatoes, so it won’t steamroll the dish—just coats and gathers the flavors.

Best Uses

quick-roast sheet-pan pods for a crisp-tender bite
high-heat stir-fries where the slime turns into a glossy coating
spoon-ready thickening sauces (stewed, then reduced)
young-pod pickles that stay snappy and green

Flavor Profile

clean, grassy sweetness mild, fresh flavor silken-tender pods with a crisp snap slightly mucilaginous body when cooked

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon juice cumin chili flakes tomatoes yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent and treat powdery mildew on Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) leaves?

Powdery mildew shows up as a white, dusty coating on okra leaves that spreads during warm, humid stretches. Remove heavily affected leaves early, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid wetting foliage when watering. If it’s spreading, spray with a sulfur-based fungicide or potassium bicarbonate according to label directions and repeat as directed for 7–10 days.

How often should I water Pusa Sawani okra during the main growing phase?

During active flowering and pod set (roughly weeks 4–7), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 2.5–5 cm of water per week depending on heat and soil type. Water at the base in the morning, letting the top few centimeters dry slightly between waterings. Consistent moisture helps prevent tough pods; irregular drying and re-wetting can trigger poor pod development.

When is Pusa Sawani okra ready to harvest, and how should I check?

Harvest pods about 45–60 days after sowing, typically when they reach 5–8 cm long and are still tender. Pick pods every 2–3 days during peak production—if you wait until pods get large or the seeds feel firm, they become fibrous and reduce new flowering. Use a light twist-and-pull or snip with a knife to avoid damaging the plant.