BURMESE OKRA SEEDS

Abelmoschus esculentus

The best okra we have ever had and the easiest to grow in northern gardens. Plants are bushy rather than tall, putting all of their energy into pod production, which begins almost immediately after transplant and continues until the first frost in autumn. Pods are tender and spineless, and they remain tender for longer than any other okra we have grown, even when nearly 1' long. Flavor is excellent. These pods are also the least mucilaginous that we know of. Just THE BEST.

In the United States okra is strongly associated with southern cuisine and culture. It is notoriously difficult to grow in the north. The plants love hot weather and moisture. This past season was unusually hot for the Northeast, and though we had virtually no rain for the entire summer, the mulched clay soil in which our plants grew was apparently sufficiently damp to meet their needs: we were blessed with a huge crop of delicious pods and the best seed crop we have ever had.

Where growing seasons are long and warm okra may be sown directly into warm sunny soil, but we start okra seeds indoors around six weeks before transplanting. Tuck seeds just beneath the surface of moist soil, pressing to keep seed snug. Cover with plastic to maintain moisture and temperature. Kept warm (around 80°F) and moist in bright light the seeds germinate within a week. If started in a communal pot the seedlings should be plucked out promptly and transplanted into deep pots or cells to grow on at warm temperatures in bright light. Water frequently and fertlize weekly with fish and seaweed emulsions. Harden off before transplanting into warm soil in full sun long after all danger of frost has passed. Mulch generously to help maintain consistent soil moisture, especially in sandy or rocky soils that dry out easily.

Pods may be harvested for eating at almost any point while they are still tender and green. Produces tons of food over a long season given consistent soil moisture. Pods can become woody quickly if soil dries up completely. Mulch and water regularly in well-drained soils.

Grown by Farmacie Isolde.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.