The information on this page applies to seedlings sold by LEAF Nursery during our 2021 Seedling Sale.
Abelmoschus esculentus. Said to originally be from the Hill Country of southern Texas.[3] Attractive 6' tall annual plant with beautiful, bronze-red stems. Fruit has red tinges, especially when sun-exposed. Produces well in summer heat. Slender pods can be sliced and eaten raw in salads, cooked, or pickled.[1]
Seed Type
| Organic | Heirloom | Non-GMO | Hybrid | Open-pollinated | Untreated |
Additional Information
| Container Friendly | Trellis Needed | Easy to Grow | Pollinator Friendly |
Planting Season
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Growing Conditions
| Light | Temperature | Soil | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sun | 68-95 F | Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter | As needed |
Planting Tips
| Plant Spacing | Row Spacing | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| 12-18" | 3-4' | 50-60 after transplanting |
- Additional instructions: Plant okra in stable, warm weather.
- Harvesting instructions: Okra pods are harvested for eating when they are young and immature, just after the flowers fade. Harvest every few days by cutting the stem just above the cap with a knife; if the stem is too hard to cut, the pod is probably too old and should be tossed.[4][5]
Common Diseases and Pests
- Pests: Cucumber beetles, aphids
- Disease: white mold, Fusarium wilt, bacterial spot, and powdery mildew
Useful Resources
- https://www.nativeseeds.org/collections/okra/products/ok003 (seed source)
- http://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/vegetables/vegetable-planting-chart/
- https://www.seedsavers.org/hill-country-red-okra
- https://www.seedsavers.org/grow-okra
If you bought this seedling and have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comment section below.