Red Burgundy Okra Seeds – Ladies’ Fingers for Gumbo

Burgundy Pods for a Colorful Summer Harvest

Red Burgundy okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), also called ladies’ fingers, combines a useful vegetable harvest with striking garden color. Burgundy stems, branches, leaf ribs and pods contrast with green leaves on plants that reach approximately 4 feet tall under suitable conditions.

Grow a sunny row for young, tender pods to add to gumbo, stews and other cooked dishes. The colorful plants also bring interest to an edible border or a roomy patio container.

Choose Your Seed Pack

• 25 seeds.
• 100 seeds.
• 1 oz - Approximately 500 Seeds
  
• 1/4 lb.
• 1 lb.

This listing is for planting seeds, not live plants or harvested pods. Weight-based packs are sold by weight rather than a guaranteed seed count.

Plant Details

• Variety: Red Burgundy okra.
• Botanical name: Abelmoschus esculentus.
• Approximate height: 4 feet; size varies with growing conditions.
• Pods: Burgundy-colored; harvest while young and tender.
• Light: Full sun.
• Season: Warm-season vegetable that needs sustained heat.
• Garden spacing: Approximately 12–15 inches between plants, with rows about 3 feet apart.

When to Plant

Okra grows best in warm conditions. Wait until frost risk has passed and both soil and air temperatures are reliably warm before planting outside. In short-season areas, starting seeds indoors can give plants a head start. The supplied directions suggest setting plants out approximately 3–4 weeks after the last frost, provided conditions are warm enough.

Starting from Seed

• Presoak: Soak seeds overnight before sowing.
• Indoor starting: Sow two or three seeds per individual pot. Once established, keep the strongest seedling by cutting off the others rather than pulling through its roots.
• Germination warmth: The supplied indoor-starting guidance lists approximately 80–90°F.
• Direct sowing: In warm conditions, sow approximately 3/4 inch deep.
• Thin: Leave approximately 12–15 inches between plants.
• Moisture: Keep the growing medium moist without leaving it waterlogged.
• Transplant carefully: Acclimate indoor-grown seedlings gradually to outdoor conditions and avoid disturbing their roots.

Growing in Containers

Allow for a tall, upright plant rather than treating okra as a compact windowsill vegetable.

• Use a large, stable pot: Provide generous root space and unobstructed drainage holes.
• Choose potting mix: Use a well-draining mix suitable for vegetables.
• Provide sun and warmth: Place in full sun in a warm location.
• Avoid crowding: Leave room for mature growth and airflow.
• Water consistently: Check pots frequently during hot weather and let excess water drain.
• Feed as needed: Follow the label on a fertilizer suitable for container vegetables.

Garden Care

Keep weeds under control and maintain moisture during dry periods. Once seedlings are approximately 4 inches tall and the soil is warm, mulch can help conserve moisture. In cooler areas, season-extension methods may help retain warmth, but plants still need appropriate ventilation and protection from overheating.

Harvesting

Check plants frequently and pick pods while young and tender. Do not rely on maximum pod length as a guarantee of tenderness; growing conditions and picking frequency affect quality. Use clean snips to avoid damaging stems, and wear gloves if handling the plants irritates your skin.

In the Kitchen

Wash harvested pods before preparing. Enjoy them in gumbo, soups and stews, or use them in your favorite cooked okra dishes. The seeds in this listing are intended for planting, not direct consumption.