White Velvet Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

This heirloom plant produces white, spineless fruits that are silky and look gorgeous. These pods can be enjoyed raw, cooked, fried, and pickled.

Okra must be grown as an annual in Ohio because it is a member of the hibiscus family. Production of pods will slow down in the fall as we get cooler nights.

This variety was given to William Woys Weaver in the 1990s. We acquired these seeds from True Love Seeds and they were grown by Justevia in Water Valley, MS.

Planting/Harvesting Notes

  • Plant in full sun in well draining soil.
  • Space plants apart 18 inches and rows 12 to 18 inches apart
  • Check every few days for pods. Production of pods will slow down if pods are not regularly picked.
  • Cut the pods from the stem just above the cap to harvest (see photo).
  • After the first seed pods are grown, okra plants will produce continuously for up to 120 days or until the night temperatures drop below 60F
  • Time from transplant to harvest 60-70 days

Seed saving notes

  • Allow the pods to remain on the plant until the pods are dried (this wills stop production of the plant)
  • Once seeds rattle in the pod, cut the pod off the plant
  • Separate the dried seeds from the pods and store the seeds in a labeled paper envelope.
White velvet okra on the plant
White velvet okra on the plant

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