NEW OKRA RED BURGUNDY IS AN ABSOLUTE STUNNER WITH IT’S DEEP RED STEMS AND LUSH GREEN LEAVES! HUGE FLOWERS AND THOSE SUCCULENT FRUITS! NOTHING COULD BE BETTER! NEVER TRIED OKRA? THEN YOU ARE MISSING OUT!

Red Burgundy okra adds lovely red hues to your vegetable garden! These attractive 5-foot plants with green leaves and burgundy stems produce tender 17 -20 CM deep burgundy pods that add beautiful colour to any dish. This All-American winner was developed at Clemson University and matures in about 55 days.

Bring a splash of colour to your veggie patch with Red Burgundy okra – a striking variety that boasts deep red pods, burgundy stems, and lush green leaves. These handsome plants grow to about 1.5 metres tall and produce tender, 17–20 cm pods that not only look beautiful but taste delicious in everything from stir-fries to stews. Fast-growing and productive, this All-America Selections winner matures in just 55 days.

This unique variety was developed by Leo Robbins at Clemson University, who dedicated eight years to perfecting it. Released in 1983, Red Burgundy okra went on to win an AAS award in 1988 for its outstanding performance.

Okra itself is native to northern Africa, where it still grows wild today. As a cousin of the hibiscus, it’s long been a staple in African and Mediterranean cuisine, and it remains a cherished ingredient in traditional dishes of the American South.

Harvesting Tips

Red Burgundy okra is spineless, so harvesting is easy on the hands. It remains tender even at its full length of up to 18 cm, but you can pick it at any stage before maturity for the best texture and flavour.

Saving Seeds

If you’d like to save seed from your crop, remember that okra readily cross-pollinates, so keep Red Burgundy separated from other okra varieties. Allow some pods to fully mature and dry on the plant – they’ll turn brown and may start to split. If they do, harvest them immediately to avoid losing the seeds.

To collect the seeds, twist the pods or place them in a paper bag and gently crush. Spread the seeds out to dry thoroughly for a week, then store them in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, your seeds will remain viable for 2 to 3 years.

Whether you’re growing it for its colour, flavour, or history, Red Burgundy okra is a standout performer and a joy to grow!

Grow Notes
Prefers full sun in moist soil.

Sow
Soak seed in warm water overnight to speed germination.

Sow direct or raise seedlings in Spring, by planting seeds at a depth of 10mm, with 60 plants spacing and 100cm row spacing.

Keep soil moist, not wet.

Germination
12-14 days at 23-33°C

Maturity
55-65 days.

Picture by Dr Sitesh Biswas, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons