Start growing
Sow in very warm soil (70-75°F). Needs full sun. Soak seeds 12 hours before planting.
GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL
Okra Seeds In A Cup® Grow Kit
Abelmoschus esculentus
From the first seed to the next new leaf. Explore your plant’s growing conditions, seasonal rhythm, and everyday care.
THE PLANT NOTEBOOK
Okra care, from seed onward.
- Botanical name
- Abelmoschus esculentus
- Common names
- Lady's Finger, Gumbo, Okra
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Genus
- Abelmoschus
- Species
- A. esculentus
Growing with your kit
The Seeds In A Cup® methodology involves pre-warming the soil in the greenhouse lid before sowing the seeds.
Propagation
By seed.
Seasonal growth & harvest
50-60 days to harvest. Pods grow extremely fast and must be picked daily.
Growing conditions
Subtropical and tropical areas with full sun.
Weather & tolerances
Highly heat and drought tolerant; zero frost tolerance.
Pests & plant health
Root knot nematodes and aphids.
Plant safety
Safe; pod hairs can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Botanical features
A tall mallow-family plant with hibiscus-like flowers and edible mucilaginous pods.
Varieties
‘Clemson Spineless’, ‘Burgundy’ (Red), ‘Emerald’.
Garden & everyday uses
Thickener for soups (Gumbo). fried or pickled. Flowers are also edible
Native range & distribution
Indigenous to West Africa and South Asia.
Conservation
Secure heirloom and commercial varieties.
Name origins
From the Igbo ‘ôkuru’, reflecting its West African heritage.
History
Brought to the Americas during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade; became a cornerstone of Southern US cuisine.
TURN KNOWING INTO GROWING
Your next beginning, in a cup.
Seeds In A Cup® grow kits matched to okra.
Seed Germination Kit
Okra Seed Starter Grow Kit
USD 10.99
100 in stock
Abelmoschus esculentus
7-14 daysView kit →
THE GROWING CONVERSATION
Questions grow here.
Have a question about okra? Ask Buddy below or contact our team.