Description
Okra or Okro, Abelmoschus esculentus , known in many English-speaking countries as ladies’ fingers or ochro, is a flowering plant in the mallow family. It is valued for its edible green seeds pot. The geographical origin of okra is disputed, with supporters of West African, Ethiopian, and South Asian origins. The plant is cultivated in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions around the world.
The species is a perennial, often cultivated as an annual in temperate climates, often growing to around 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall. The leaves are 10–20 centimetres (3.9–7.9 in) long and broad, palmately lobed with 5–7 lobes. The flowers are 4–8 centimetres (1.6–3.1 in) in diameter, with five white to yellow petals, often with a red or purple spot at the base of each petal. The pollens are spherical with approximately 188 microns diameter. The fruits is a capsule up to 18 centimetres (7.1 in) long with pentagonal cross-section, containing numerous seeds.
Germination Guide
🌍 East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, Eritrea, and eastern Sudan; now cultivated globally in tropical and subtropical regions
Moderate
Abelmoschus esculentus 'Red Burgundy' is an All-America Selections winner (1988) valued for its ornamental beauty with deep burgundy pods and striking foliage, alongside excellent culinary qualities. The species is extremely sensitive to cold temperatures and requires consistently warm conditions for successful germination and growth. Optimal germination occurs at soil temperatures between 22-30°C, with seeds germinating in as little as 3 days under ideal warm conditions or up to 3 weeks in cooler soils.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
3 – 21 days
Temperature
Min 18°C
Ideal 25°C
Max 35°C
Substrate moisture
💧 Medium
Seed Pre-treatment
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Soaking — 24 hours
Soak seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before sowing to soften the seed coat and promote faster germination. Seeds that sink are more viable than those that float.
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Mechanical scarification
Lightly nick, scratch, or sand the hard seed coat to improve germination. Okra seeds have a very hard seed coat that benefits greatly from mechanical scarification. Alternative methods include soaking in warm water.
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Additional notes
For improved germination rates, scarify seeds and/or soak overnight in warm water before planting. Both methods significantly enhance germination speed and percentage.
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
Well-draining, fertile loamy soil rich in organic matter; pH 6.0-6.8 preferred but tolerates pH 5.5-8.0
Recommended container
Biodegradable peat pots or individual containers to minimize root disturbance during transplanting
Growing Tips
For best results, scarify and/or soak seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before sowing to break dormancy and speed germination. Maintain soil temperature at 75-85°F (24-29°C) for optimal germination. Use warm soil—minimum 60°F (15°C) but preferably 70°F (21°C) or warmer to avoid seed rot and poor germination. For indoor starting, begin seeds 4-5 weeks before last frost date, using biodegradable pots to reduce transplant shock. Direct sow outdoors only after soil reaches 70°F. Plant 0.5-1 inch deep in fertile, well-draining soil with full sun exposure. Keep soil consistently moist during germination phase but avoid waterlogging. Red Burgundy plants reach 4-5 feet tall and produce tender burgundy pods that turn green when cooked; harvest at 5-6 inches for best tenderness. Seeds remain viable 3-5 years or longer when stored in cool, dry conditions.
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