Okra
Okra is a vegetable in the Malvaceae family. It grows best in full sun with medium moisture, and is listed for USDA zones 2-13. Plants reach harvest about 42–75 days after planting and sit about 12 inches apart.
Varieties
21 from True Leaf Market, Seeds Now & High Mowing · sorted by days to maturity▸Blondy42–58 days
Heirloom; AAS Winner; Container; Vegetable; Annual
50 days. Blondy Okra Seeds - Non-GMO, Abelmoschus esculentus. Blondy is an AAS winning dwarf Okra great for short seasons. Named after its plentiful creamy light green spineless pods, this plant is a dwarf, growing 3-4" tall, shorter than the average okra plant. Pods are best when harvested at 3 inches, but grow to be 6-7" when fully mature. Pods are spineless and ribbed. A great addition to the home garden, these plants are quick to mature and produce plentiful harvests.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Dwarf Long Pod42–58 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
Shop all Okra Seeds 📚 Okra Grow Guide The Dwarf Long Green Pod variety produces heavy yields of 8" long by 1 ½" wide dark green okra This spineless variety produces earlier and higher yields than other varieties Days to Maturity | 50 days Okra Seeds | Sow okra seeds in fertile, nitrogen rich soil. Plant seeds about 12" apart. Click here for complete Okra grow guide Additional Details Okra is often known as "Lady's Fingers" outside of the United States.
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Clemson Spineless 8047–63 days
Productive; 3-4” pods
Very productive variety with early, bright green pods. This new and improved version of the tried-and-true Clemson Spineless variety offers up pain-free picking and earlier production. The plants yield more than the previous incarnation and plants have a taller, more open habit. Harvest young for peak tenderness.
Growing notes: Days to maturity are from transplant. Okra is a warm-season annual. It prefers rich soils that are well drained. Plants are fairly drought and heat tolerant. Start seedlings indoors 4-6 weeks before planting date. Optimal germination temperature is 80-90°F. Transplant after last frost. Pollination may be poor when temperatures fluctuate above 90°F or below 55°F. Pick fruits at 3-4” long and when they snap from the plant. Store at 45-50°F with a relative humidity of 85-95%.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Cows Horn47–63 days
Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual
Abelmoschus esculentus (55 days) This heirloom okra dates back to around the Civil War. It has a twisted shape that resembles a cow's horn. These large pods can reach 14" and still stay crunchy, meaty and flavorful.~420 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Cows Horn (Organic)47–63 days
Heirloom; Organic; Container; Vegetable; Annual
Abelmoschus esculentus. (55 days) This heirloom okra dates back to around the Civil War. It has a twisted shape that resembles a cow's horn. These large pods can reach 14" and still stay crunchy, meaty and flavorful
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Emerald Green Velvet47–63 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
Shop all Okra Seeds 📚 Okra Grow Guide The Emerald Green Velvet Okra plant grows to about 2' tall and produces heavy yields of 7-9" long spineless dark green okra - The pods are thick walled but very tender. Stays tender even when very large - Thrives in HOT temperatures - Retains its bright green color even when they're frozen or canned - This is an excellent variety for soups and stews - Can even be fried or boiled to your liking Days to Maturity | 55 days Okra Seeds | Sow okra seeds in fertile, nitrogen rich soil. Plant seeds about 12" apart. Click here for complete Okra grow guide Additional Details Okra is often known as "Lady's Fingers" outside of the United States.
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Jade Okra47–63 days
Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual
Abelmoschus esculentus (55 days) Jade Okra Seeds. Jade okra was developed by the University of Arkansas and released around 1991. That wouldn't make it an heirloom, but it is an open pollinated variety and properly pollinated you can keep seed from it to replant next year. Approx. 420 seeds/ounce.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Perkins Long Pod47–63 days
Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual
Abelmoschus esculentus (55 days) An old favorite in the South this heirloom okra is vigorous growing 5' tall. Perkins Long pod produces a bright green pod, that is 8" long. Approx. 420 Seeds per ounce.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Red Burgundy47–63 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
Shop all Okra Seeds 📚 Okra Grow Guide AAS Winner. Plant produces excellent yields of burgundy colored okra - Pods can be harvested up to 8" long and still remain tender - This variety has deep red colored stems with green leaves - Thrives in HOT temperatures Days to Maturity | Appx. 55 days Okra Seeds | Sow okra seeds in fertile, nitrogen rich soil. Plant seeds about 12" apart. Click here for complete Okra grow guide Additional Details Okra is often known as "Lady's Fingers" outside of the United States.
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Jambalaya 2.048–55 days
Hybrid; Container; Vegetable; Annual
Jambalaya 2.0 Okra Seeds. Abelmoschus esculentus. 55 to 58 Days to Maturity. Non-GMO, F2 Hybrid. Annual. This extra early maturing okra variety is very compact and has small leaves. It offers high yields of very uniform dark green shiny pods. Okra can be prepared fresh, boiled, fried, canned and pickled. Use in salad, stir-fries, gumbo, or pickled. Outstanding tempurastyle or fried with cornmeal. Approx 500 Seeds / Oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Clemson Spineless (Organic)49–67 days
Heirloom; Organic; Container; Vegetable; Annual
(58 days) I'm sure you heard Grandpa or Grandma talk about Clemson Spineless if you live down South. Well, this is an improvement on that same tasty okra. Clemson Spineless, also known as Clemson Spineless 80, has longer pods, a more open form and LESS prickly spines. Ever so important when harvesting okra. Clemson Spineless 80 produces earlier than many okra varieties and can have some real heavy yields. Pods are tastiest around 3".
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Clemson Spineless50–70 days
Heirloom; Vegetable; Annual; Container; AAS Winner
50-70 days. Clemson Spineless Okra Seeds. Abelmoschus esculentus. Non-GMO. Heirloom. Also known as Clemson Spineless 80. Clemson Spineless okra debutedas the 1939 All-America Selections Vegetable Winner is a highly popular variety for its fantastic texture and flavor. Pods grow 6-9" long with slightly tapered ends and ribbing. Plants are 3 feet tall. Pods are most tender when they are harvested at 3" long. Delicious fried, and used in soups and cooked dishes. Fine quality and prolific. ~500 seeds per ounce.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Jing Orange50–60 days
Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual
Jing Orange Okra Seeds. 30 to 60 days to maturity. Abelmoschus esculentus. Heirloom, Annual. Jing Orange is an Asian okra, known for it is stunning red-orange color. Approximately 500 seeds/ounce.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Burgundy55–75 days
Ornamental and edible; 3-6” pods
High-yielding plants with beautiful, red pods that stay tender as they gain in size. This striking red stemmed, green-leaved plant is highly productive and has performed well in our hoophouse trials in Northern Vermont. The gorgeous, cream-colored flowers are edible, and pods left on the plant to dry make great additions to floral arrangements. Unavailable in 2024 A bin of freshly harvested okra at Garden Variety Harvests in Roanoke, Virginia.
Growing notes: Days to maturity are from transplant. Okra is a warm-season annual. It prefers rich soils that are well drained. Plants are fairly drought and heat tolerant. Start seedlings indoors 4-6 weeks before planting date. Optimal germination temperature is 80-90°F. Transplant after last frost. Pollination may be poor when temperatures fluctuate above 90°F or below 55°F. Pick fruits at 3-4” long and when they snap from the plant. Store at 45-50°F with a relative humidity of 85-95%.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Emerald55–70 days
Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual
55-70 days. Emerald Okra Seeds - Non-GMO, Abelmoschus esculentus. These heirloom Emerald okra plants are 5-8 feet tall and produce smooth bright green 7" long pods. They were developed and used by Campbell's Soup Company in the 1950"s. The pods keep their green color when cooked and stay tender at bigger sizes. For the best flavor, pick at 4".
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Louisiana Green Velvet55–65 days
Heirloom; AAS Winner; Container; Vegetable; Annual
55-65 days. Louisiana Green Velvet Okra Seeds - Non-GMO, Heirloom, Abelmoschus esculentus. This 1941 AAS winner is large standing between 5 and 8 feet tall. It thrives in heat and humidity, and needs 2 solid months of true southern summer weather. Plants produce yellow blooms and dark green pods with oak shaped leaves. They are strong and produce productive yields. These pods are good for processing and grow to 8", but should be harvested prematurely. They are dark green, round, slender and spineless.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Rainbow Fiesta55–65 days
Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual
Rainbow Fiesta Okra Seeds. 30 to 60 days to maturity. Abelmoschus esculentus. Open Pollinated. Annual. Approximately 500 seeds/ounce.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Hill Country Red60–70 days
Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual
60-70 days. Hill Country Red Okra Seeds. Abelmoschus esculentus. Non-GMO. Heirloom. Hill Country Red okra seeds mature to 6 feet tall and is a good producer of thick green pods tinted with red at their ends and stems. Pods are deeply ribbed and have a firm texture with light yellow seeds inside. Okra seeds thrive in the heat and are 6" long when fully mature, but are most tender when picked at 2-3" long. They gain their deep red tint as they mature. Harvest often to keep them coming. ~500 seeds per ounce.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Star Of David60–65 days
Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual
Abelmoschus esculentus (60-65 days) Star of David okra is an old Israeli heirloom that has a unique six-pointed, geometric star shape resembling the Star of David. ~400 seeds/oz.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Star of David (Organic)60–75 days
Heirloom; Organic; Container; Vegetable; Annual
Organic Star of David Okra Seeds. 60 - 75 days to maturity. Abelmoschus esculentus. Heirloom, Non-GMO, Annual. An Israeli variety, Star of David grows 8 to 10 feet tall stalks. ~ 500 Seeds/ounce.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Silver Queen65 days
Heirloom; Container; Vegetable; Annual
Abelmoschus esculentus (65 days) Silver Queen Okra truly deserves to be the belle of the Southern Ball. Very tender okra.
View on True Leaf Market ↗
Plant spacing
In a square-foot bed, space okra about 12 in apart — that fits 1 plant in each 1-foot square (1×1). Wider rows or containers space the same.
Plan your okra planting
Add okra to a free GardenDraft plan and get sow, transplant, and harvest dates computed for your ZIP code — with a drag-and-drop bed layout and reminders when it’s time to plant.
Start your free plan →At a glance
Storing & preserving
Best used right away — quality drops fast. Most keep best refrigerated; storage crops prefer a cool, dry spot.
- Freeze: Blanch briefly, cool, then freeze — keeps color and texture.
- Can: Pressure-can low-acid vegetables; water-bath only pickled/acidified ones.
General home-preservation guidance — for tested processing times and safety, follow the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Growing timeline
Companion planting — with cited sources
From US/Canada cooperative-extension publications and peer-reviewed studies. Evidence-tier dots show how strongly each recommendation is backed: ●●● peer-reviewed mechanism · ●● extension consensus · ● traditional knowledge with a plausible mechanism.
Pairs well with (2)
- CowpeaEvidence tier B: Extension consensus across multiple US/Canada land-grant institutionsn-fixation, predator-attract
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) interplanted with okra is a documented Southern US/Caribbean polyculture: cowpea fixes N, attracts beneficial insects (ants tending extrafloral nectaries help suppress some lepidopteran pests on adjacent okra), and shares heat tolerance. UGA documents.
Region: Southeast and Gulf Coast.
Source: S11
- Sweet BasilEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpollinator-attract, pest-deter
Basil interplanted with okra is a traditional Southern practice; basil volatiles may repel some thrips and whitefly, and the flowering basil supplies nectar for parasitoid wasps. Mechanism plausible but empirical replication in okra systems is limited.
Region: Southeastern US summer gardens.
Source: S11
Avoid planting near (1)
- Common TomatoEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationalternate-host-pest, disease-host
Okra and tomato share several pests (stink bugs, root-knot nematode) and Verticillium susceptibility; Southern extension generally suggests not following tomato with okra in nematode-prone soils.
Region: Southeast.
Source: S11
Sources cited
- S11
- University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Care & troubleshooting— extension-sourced, with citations
When to feed, prune & water
Attract beneficial insects and protect pollinators
Protection- Routine carePlant insectary flowers and tolerate light pestsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Grow a diversity of flowering plants (including small-flowered umbels and asters) to feed predators and parasitoids, and tolerate low pest numbers so natural enemies have prey to stick around.
- Routine careNever spray open bloomsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Avoid insecticides on flowering plants and apply any needed sprays in the evening when pollinators aren't active, and favor selective products over broad-spectrum ones to spare bees and beneficials.
Harvest okra pods young and often
Harvest- Routine carePick small and keep up with it· every 2 daysstrong evidence — extension confidence
Cut pods while they are still tender, about 2 to 4 inches long, because they turn woody and inedible within a few days. Harvest every day or two, since picking regularly and not letting pods mature keeps the plant flowering and producing.
Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture
Mulch- Routine careApply organic mulch around plantsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Spread a few inches of straw, shredded leaves, or compost around established plants (keeping it off stems) to hold soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature; wait until soil has warmed for heat-loving crops.
Clean up debris and sanitize at season end
SanitationUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careRemove spent plants and fallen debrisstrong evidence — extension confidence
Pull and clear old plants, dropped fruit, and leaf litter at season end, since many pests and diseases overwinter in this debris; dispose of diseased material rather than composting it.
- Routine careClean tools, stakes, and cagesmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Wash and sanitize stakes, cages, and tools that touched diseased plants before storing or reusing them to avoid carrying pathogens into next season.
Harden off seedlings
ProtectionUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careGradually expose plants to the outdoors· every 1 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Starting about two weeks before transplanting, set seedlings outside in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours and lengthen their time and sun exposure each day, avoiding windy days, to prevent transplant shock.
- Routine careEase back on water and transplant on a mild daystrong evidence — extension confidence
Water a little less during hardening (without letting plants wilt) to toughen growth, then transplant in late afternoon or on a cool, cloudy, calm day.
Something looks wrong?
Describe what you see on your okraand we'll rank the likely causes — most likely first, least-invasive fix first.
Root-knot nematodes
Nematodesevere- CulturalConfirm with a soil test, then rotate (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence
Root-knot nematodes can't be eradicated from garden soil, so confirm via a county Extension nematode assay and rotate beds to non-hosts or resistant varieties (look for VFN-type resistance in tomato).
- CulturalPlant suppressive cover/rotation cropsmoderate evidence — extension confidence
A solid planting of French marigolds grown 2+ months and turned under, or cover crops such as sorghum-sudangrass or cowpea, can lower populations between susceptible crops.
- CulturalSanitation and organic mattermoderate evidence — extension confidence
Avoid moving infested soil on tools or transplants, build soil organic matter to support beneficial organisms, and keep plants well watered to help them tolerate root damage.
Japanese beetles
Pestmoderate- CulturalHandpick into soapy water· every 1 days · ~4 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
In early morning when beetles are sluggish, knock them into a bucket of soapy water; daily removal also reduces the scent that draws in more beetles. Skip the lure traps, which tend to attract more beetles than they catch.
- CulturalCover plants past bloommoderate evidence — extension confidence
On crops that have finished flowering and set fruit, drape a row cover or netting to keep beetles off without blocking pollination during bloom.
Spider mites
Pestmoderate- CulturalHose down and raise humidity· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Mites thrive in hot, dry, dusty conditions. Spray foliage (especially undersides) with water to dislodge them and reduce dust.
- OrganicInsecticidal soap or horticultural oil - label use only· every 5 days · ~2 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Apply to undersides per label; mites resist many products, so soaps/oils are preferred. Not in extreme heat.
Stink bugs (brown marmorated and native)
Pestmoderate- CulturalExclude with row cover and clear nearby weedsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Cover susceptible crops with floating row cover before bugs arrive, and remove weeds and groundcover near the garden in early spring where stink bugs feed before moving to crops. Lift covers on flowering crops that need pollination.
- CulturalHand-pick bugs and egg masses· every 3 daysstrong evidence — extension confidence
Scout in the morning and drop adults, nymphs, and egg clusters into a bucket of soapy water; regular hand-picking keeps low populations in check since most garden insecticides work poorly on adults.
- OrganicSpot-treat young nymphs if numbers climb· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence
If small nymphs are abundant, a botanical such as pyrethrin or azadirachtin, or insecticidal oil, may give some suppression per the label; adults are largely unaffected, so rely mainly on exclusion and hand-picking.
Whiteflies
Pestmoderate- CulturalRemove infested leaves and hose off· every 4 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Pick off and discard heavily infested lower leaves and rinse colonies off undersides with a strong spray of water; yellow sticky cards help monitor numbers.
- OrganicApply a labeled soap or oil· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Apply a labeled insecticidal soap or neem oil per the label, covering leaf undersides; these reduce but won't eliminate whiteflies, so repeat as needed.
Aphids
Pestlow- CulturalBlast off with water· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Knock colonies off with a strong jet of water in the morning; repeat every few days. Light infestations rarely need more.
- OrganicInsecticidal soap - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
For persistent colonies apply insecticidal soap to undersides per label. Avoid open flowers.
Aphids and whiteflies on okra
Pestlow- CulturalRinse off and scout· every 4 daysstrong evidence — extension confidence
Aphids and whiteflies appear early in the season; knock light infestations off with a strong spray of water to the leaf undersides and let lady beetles and other natural enemies catch up. Controlling these sap feeders also removes the honeydew that draws ants.
- OrganicSoap or oil if needed· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence
For heavier infestations, apply a labeled insecticidal soap or horticultural oil per the label, covering leaf undersides where these pests feed. Repeat as directed since these contact materials only kill what they touch.