Okra Varieties: 10 Types of Okra to Grow in Your Garden

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a plant known for its long, fuzz-covered pods and fibrous and tender leaves. Sometimes referred to as ladies’ fingers or gumbo, this plant is a member of the hibiscus family. While you might confuse it for a veggie, okra is a fruit. Many people harvest okra to use it in soups, stews, and other recipes.

Okra grow best in home gardens that experience hot weather often. Okra seeds will still grow in colder areas—these plants can also survive a winter in all USDA Hardiness Zones—but they won’t produce pods quite as large as they would in warm climates.

Growing okra plants to their greatest potential depends most on the warm season. If regularly exposed to temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, these tall plants can make it from initial germination to five feet tall throughout their short growing season.

Deciding on the best okra for your personal fruit and vegetable garden depends on which of them best fits your personal tastes. Here are ten types of okra to consider:

1. 1. ‘Alabama Red’: The okra cultivar Alabama red sprouts initially red pods from red stems. Other prominent okras of the same coloring include ‘Hill Country Red,’ ‘Bowling Red,’ and ‘Red Velvet’.
2. 2. ‘Annie Oakley’: This okra hybrid produces a strong crop for its harvesters. Its companion cultivar, ‘Annie Oakley II,’ is also worth considering.
3. 3. ‘Blondy’: This type of okra gets its name from its more pale green appearance.
4. 4. ‘Burgundy’: Burgundy okra is notable, as the name would suggest, due to its deep burgundy pods. It also sprouts yellow flowers.
5. 5. ‘Cajun Delight’: Originating in the southern part of the United States, ‘Cajun Delight’ okra is a regular ingredient in gumbo stew, a Louisiana staple.
6. 6. ‘Clemson Spineless’: This okra derives its name from its spineless pods.
7. 7. ‘Emerald Green Velvet’: Emerald Green Velvet okra is an heirloom variety (or open-pollinated type) of okra notable for vibrant, dark green pods. ‘Louisiana Green Velvet’ okra is a close alternative to consider.
8. 8. ‘Perkins Long Pod’: This type of okra has four-inch to six-inch pods, justifying their common name.
9. 9. ‘Silver Queen’: Silver Queen okra pods are so light green that they almost look like the precious metal to which their name alludes.
10. 10. ‘Star of David’: Hailing from Israel, this okra variety sprouts pods that are thick and ridged. Each looks like an extended Star of David.

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