Okra Varieties
(Abelmoschus esculentus)
Okra probably originated in North East Africa growing along rivers and bodies of water at 0 - 1000m elevation. It remains widely grown around the world for its nutritious pods, leaves, and fiber. It prefers hot temperatures with plenty of water. Regular picking of the pods triggers continuous vegetative and fruit growth. Okra can be grown wherever tomatoes, melons and cucumbers are grown. Fast-maturing dwarf varieties are recommended for use in temperate regions.
Borneo
Produces extra long edible pods that are best when 25cm long or less, but will grow as long as 45cm.
Burgundy
Grows 1.5m tall with green leaves and red-burgundy stems, branches, leaf ribs, and pods 15-20cm in length. 55 days to maturity.
Clemson Spineless 80
A prolific producer of spineless green pods which can be harvested continuously for weeks. Plant reaches 1.5 m and pods are best at 5-8 cm. 52 days to maturity.
Prelude
A compact variety with lance-shaped leaves that allow for easier harvest and that allow sunlight to pass through the canopy and reach more of the lower leaves. 55 days to maturity.
Pusa Makmahli
A quick maturing okra from Northern India that produces light green pods. Plants can grow up to 3 m tall.
Gumby
A further selection of the 'Prelude' variety of okra. It matures much earlier and at a shorter height than other varieties of okra.
Burmese
This variety is less mucilaginous, has large 40 cm leaves, and starts to bear fruit when plants are 45 cm tall. The spineless pods are best when harvested 25 cm long or less. 60 days to maturity.
Red Maroon
Produces dark red pods that can reach 20 cm (7.8 in)but are eaten when 12-15 cm (4.7-6 in) long.
Star of David
The plant is not covered with hairs. They are much less slimy than other types of okra.
Bhutanese
Produces green pods, eaten when 7-10 cm (3-5 in) long. Pods become hairy and spiny when mature, but young pods are edible.
Manee Maejo
This variety has two colors, green and light maroon. The pod of this variety is loger than the Red maroon variety
Bowling Red
Parbhani Kranti
A yellow vein mosaic resistant variety from Parbhani, India. An original cross of Abelmoschus manihot x A. esculentus that was eventually isolated in the F8 generation. Flowers in 45-60 days. Fruit is dark green and smooth.