You probably either love okra or hate it, but either way, red burgundy okra makes a lovely, showy specimen plant in the garden. You thought okra was green? What kind of okra is red? As the name suggests, the plant bears 2 to 5 inch (5-13 cm.) long, torpedo-shaped fruit, but is the red okra edible? Read on to find out all about growing red okra plants.
What Kind of Okra is Red?
Native to Ethiopia, okra is the only member of the mallow family (which includes cotton, hibiscus, and hollyhock) to bear edible fruit. Generally speaking, okra pods are green and a staple of many a southern diet. A relative newcomer, Red Burgundy okra was bred by Leon Robbins at Clemson University and introduced in 1983, becoming the All-America Selections winner in 1988. There are also other red varieties of okra that include ‘Red Velvet’ and the dwarf red okra “Little Lucy.” So, back to the question “is red okra edible?” Yes. In fact, there really isn’t much difference between red okra and green okra other than the color. When red okra is cooked, alas, it loses its red hue, and the pods turn green.
Growing Red Okra Plants
Start plants inside four to six weeks before the last frost date for your area or directly outside two to four weeks after the last expected frost. Okra seeds can be hard to get to germinate. To facilitate the process, either gently crack the outer coating with nail clippers or soak them in water overnight. Germination should take place in 2 to 12 days. Space seeds 2 inches (5 cm.) apart in rich soil, and about ½ inch (2 cm.) deep. Be sure to amend the soil with plenty of compost since okra is a heavy feeder. Transplant the seedlings when all chance of frost is gone and the soil is warm, and the ambient temps are at least 68 degrees F. (20 C.). Plant the new plants 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) apart. Pods should form in 55 to 60 days.
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own BackyardIn addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
-
How To Store Okra After PickingLearn how to store fresh okra for up to a year by canning or freezing the harvest. For short-term storage it can go in the refrigerator for two or three days.
-
Edible Okra Leaves – Can You Eat The Leaves Of OkraMany northerners may not have tried it, but okra is quintessentially southern and linked to the cuisine of the region. Even so, many southerners typically just use the okra pods in their dishes, but what about eating the okra leaves? Can you eat the leaves of okra? Find out here.
-
Okra Plant Varieties: Learn About Different Types Of Okra Plants -
Okra Charcoal Rot Information: Learn About Treating Okra Charcoal RotCharcoal rot can be a devastating disease for a number of crops, causing rot in the roots and stems, inhibiting growth, and lowering yield. Charcoal rot of okra has the potential to wipe out that section of your garden and even infect other vegetables. Learn more here.
-
Treating Blight On Okra Plants: Recognizing Southern Blight In Okra Crops
There are times when even the most ardent lover of okra is left with a bad taste in their mouth – and that is when there is blight on okra plants in the garden. Just what is okra southern blight and how do you treat okra with southern blight? Click here to find out.
-
Cotton Root Rot Of Okra: Managing Okra With Texas Root Rot
Cotton root rot of okra, is a nasty fungal disease that attacks many species of plants. The disease, which favors highly alkaline soils and hot summers, is limited to the Southwestern United States. Learn what you can do about okra with Texas root rot in this article.
-
My Okra Flowers Are Falling Off: Reasons For Okra Blossom DropOkra is a beloved vegetable, partly because it can live and produce happily even in extreme heat. Because it's usually so reliable, it can be especially frustrating if your okra plant doesn't produce like it should. One such problem is okra blossom drop. Learn more here.
-
Nematode Okra Problems – Treating Okra With Root Knot NematodesSouthern Americans are not the only ones who love their okra; okra root knot nematodes have a penchant for it as well. Okra with root knot nematodes can cause serious losses. How can root knot nematodes on okra be managed? This article can help with that.
