Okra-Burgundy

Burgundy Okra

Abelmoschus esculentus

This hibiscus relative's leaves are a deep burgundy color with green veins. The burgundy stems, leaf ribs, and fruits, as well as a lovely array of yellow-cream flowers, compliment each other beautifully. It is a rich in fiber food that helps you to stabilize your blood sugar and also it helps with the bacteria in your digestive system by probiotic feeding. This okra is a heavy producers, that NEEDS to be harvested at least twice a week.  Smaller and tender is better for the pods, however some of them will get very long before they get woody and inedible.  It's a good idea to harvest on the smaller side until you get the feel for it. Don't just let the 1st one grow as big as you can, it could shut the plant down.  They do have some susceptibility to nematodes. If you would like to grow okra from the Spring through the summer and into fall, it is better to do 2 successive plantings in 2 different locations. One- from the Spring into summer, and the other from summer and into fall.