Master Gardeners
PLANT
OF
THE
MONTH
Okra
Want a tall burgundy accented plant with showy flowers loved by pollinators and is edible?
Look no further than Abelmoschus esculentus aka red Burgundy Okra. A southern classic, okra comes from northern Africa. This red version was developed at Clemson University and introduced in 1983. This variety of okra produces long, slender, burgundy pods that stay tender longer than some other varieties like “Clemson Spineless.” The pods turn green when cooked and taste like okra!
Related to cotton and hibiscus plants, okra requires warm weather, full sun, slightly acidic soil pH 5.6-6.8 amended with organic material, and adequate water. Since okra is susceptible to nematodes, annual crop rotation is important. As we re-envision our gardening spaces try adding burgundy okra to your summertime edible landscape.
- Carol Dorsey
About Us
THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN AND GROW
Master Gardeners are Extension-trained volunteer educators. Under the direction of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, this program has a two-fold purpose: to increase the availability of home horticulture information through qualified volunteers and to extend the land-grant mission across Alabama.
Community
Outreach
We love to help our community grow
True to the mission of being service-oriented, educators, and motivated to share knowledge and expertise, Master Gardeners are active in the communities of Mobile County. Click to learn more about our community partners.
