Okra – Clemson’s Spineless (Abelmoschus esculentus ‘Clemson’s Spineless’)

A high-yielding, easy-to-grow variety, Clemson’s Spineless Okra is a must-have for vegetable gardens and greenhouse growers. This award-winning, heirloom variety is known for its smooth, spineless pods, making harvesting easy and irritation-free. Producing tender, flavourful green pods, this heat-loving plant is ideal for warm climates or polytunnel growing, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Loved for its ornamental hibiscus-like flowers and nutrient-rich pods, okra is a delicious and nutritious choice for homegrown produce.

Description

Clemson’s Spineless Okra is a vigorous, bushy annual growing up to 120 cm (4 feet) tall with deep green foliage and striking pale-yellow hibiscus-like flowers. The plant produces abundant, spineless, ribbed pods that are best harvested at 7–10 cm (3–4 inches) long for optimum tenderness. The pods have a mild, slightly grassy flavour, perfect for soups, curries, stir-fries, and traditional Southern dishes.

Culinary & Edible Uses

✔ Perfect for frying, grilling, stir-fries, and curries.
✔ Classic ingredient in gumbo and Cajun dishes.
✔ Ideal for pickling or adding to soups and stews.
✔ Rich in fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants, promoting digestive and immune health.

Growing Instructions

✅ Sun & Soil:

• Thrives in full sun (6+ hours daily).
• Prefers warm, well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
• Mulch soil to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

✅ Sowing Time:

• Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before the last frost (March–April).
• Outdoors: Direct sow after the last frost, when temperatures are consistently above 15°C (60°F) (May–June).

✅ Sowing Method:

• Soak seeds overnight before sowing to improve germination.
• Sow 1 cm (½ inch) deep, spacing seeds 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart.
• Keep soil warm (20–25°C / 68–77°F) and moist for germination.

✅ Spacing & Growth:

• Grows 120 cm (4 feet) tall with a bushy, upright habit.
• Space plants 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart for best growth.
• Provide support if growing in windy areas, as plants can become top-heavy.

✅ Watering & Maintenance:

• Water regularly, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Feed with a high-potassium fertiliser (such as tomato feed) every 2–3 weeks for strong pod production.
• Harvest pods frequently to encourage continuous production.

Harvesting & Storage

🌱 Harvest from July to October, picking pods at 7–10 cm (3–4 inches) long for the best texture.
🔪 Use scissors or a knife to cut pods rather than pulling, to prevent plant damage.
🍃 Regular harvesting promotes higher yields and prevents pods from becoming tough.
🥶 Can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for long-term use.

Why Grow Clemson’s Spineless Okra?

✔ Award-winning variety, known for smooth, spineless pods and excellent yields.
✔ Heat and drought-tolerant, thriving in warm summer conditions.
✔ Beautiful ornamental flowers, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
✔ Rich in fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins, making it a highly nutritious addition to meals.
✔ Perfect for greenhouse, polytunnel, or container growing, ideal for UK climates.

📌 An easy-to-grow, delicious vegetable—perfect for home cooks, greenhouse growers, and garden enthusiasts!
📌 Explore our range of vegetable seeds for a productive and flavourful harvest! 🌱🥒✨