We had heard Burmese friends talk about a nostalgia for the okra from back home. These tender pods are well suited for a variety of preparations, including raw, which is a popular way folks tend to enjoy them. They are shocking to those familiar with other members of okra’s family tree, as they are harvested quite large. Fruits are prolific, and slow to get woody, making harvesting timing more merciful. Still, be prepared to harvest every three days, or every other day if you want a more narrow range of size.

Days to Maturity: 55-65 days

Growing Tips: Okra are heat loving crops, capable of thriving in dry conditions. Adaptable to most soil conditions, they can be negatively affected in heavy, waterlogged ground. Raised beds work best in clay soils, while minimal cultivation works in loams.

When to Plant: Warm season annual. Plant only once temperatures and soil temps are steadily above 75F. While they require consistently warm temperatures, they also need to be planted early enough to meet day length triggers for flowering.

Planting Depth: 3/4-1”direct seeded is preferred. Transplants are better in cooler climates to ensure a good duration of harvest and healthy plants. Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before intended field date. Can be grown in as small as 128-cell trays.

Spacing: 18” between plants

Sun: Full

Water: Does well in a range of conditions. Ours are given infrequent, deep soaks.

Grower: Namu Farm, Winters, CA