Short Green Okra

Key Characteristics:

Plant Height: 3-4 feet

Pod Length: 2-3 inches

Color: Deep green Texture: Slightly ribbed, tender

Yield: High, with continuous harvesting throughout the growing season

Growth Habit: Compact, suitable for small spaces and containers

Flavor: Mild, with a hint of sweetness and a slightly mucilaginous texture when cooked

Cultivation Tips:

Climate: Thrives in warm, sunny climates with temperatures between 75-95°F (24-35°C).

Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy loam soils with a pH of 6.0-6.8.

Watering: Requires consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod development.

Planting: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.

Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Harvesting: Pods should be harvested when they are young and tender, usually at 2-3 inches in length, to avoid them becoming tough and fibrous.

Uses: Green Short Okra is versatile in culinary applications. It can be used in soups, stews, and gumbos, fried, pickled, or simply sautéed. Its mild flavor and tender texture make it a favorite in both Southern and international cuisines. Health Benefits: Okra is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins A and C, folate, and dietary fiber. It is also known for its antioxidant properties and potential benefits in blood sugar regulation and digestive health. By including Green Short Okra in your garden, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this nutritious and delicious vegetable, perfect for a variety of dishes and culinary styles.

Seed Preservation: Okra is insect pollinated. Isolate different okra varieties by at least 1/8th of a mile (or up to 1/2 mile if you are truly concerned about seed purity) to avoid unwanted cross pollination. Allow pods to grow large and turn brown and woody. When you can hear the seeds rattle, harvest the pod and allow it to dry further on trays in the sun in a dry place. Remove seeds and use breath, wind, or fans to remove bits of chaff. You too can be a seedkeeper and help HOOGA in the fight to preserve native seeds. Call us to know more!