Okra, also known as lady’s finger, is a warm-season vegetable loved for its tender pods and subtle, earthy flavor. Popular in Southern cooking, stir-fries, and curries, okra thrives in hot, sunny climates and is surprisingly easy to grow at home. With a wide range of heirloom and hybrid varieties available from dwarf plants to extra-long pods and colorful red stems there’s an okra type perfect for every garden. Here are 10 fantastic okra varieties to plant for a bountiful summer harvest.
1. Clemson Spineless
Clemson Spineless is one of the most popular and reliable okra varieties for home gardens. Known for its tender, spineless pods, it produces 4 to 5-inch-long fruits ideal for frying, pickling, or adding to stews. This heirloom variety grows tall, reaching up to 5 feet, and matures in about 55–60 days. Its sturdy, productive nature makes it a favorite for both beginner and seasoned gardeners. Plant it in full sun with rich, well-drained soil for continuous harvests throughout the summer.
2. Emerald Okra
With smooth, deep green pods that can grow up to 8 inches long, Emerald Okra is prized for its tender texture and mild, pleasant flavor. Developed by Campbell Soup Company in the 1950s, this heirloom variety matures in about 60 days and produces high yields of slender, spineless pods. It performs beautifully in hot, sunny conditions and is perfect for both small backyard gardens and larger vegetable patches. Emerald is ideal for slicing into soups, gumbos, and stir-fries.
3. Red Burgundy
For a colorful twist on a garden classic, try Red Burgundy Okra. This heirloom variety produces striking, deep red pods up to 6 inches long, with tender flesh and a slightly nutty flavor. The plants are not just productive — they’re also ornamental, boasting green foliage with hints of burgundy on the stems and pods. Maturing in 55–60 days, Red Burgundy thrives in full sun and warm soil. It’s perfect for grilling, pickling, or using fresh in vibrant summer salads.
4. Annie Oakley II
A hybrid favorite, Annie Oakley II offers early harvests and high yields of spineless, tender pods. Growing to a compact height of around 4 feet, it’s ideal for small garden spaces or container gardening. Its pods are best harvested at 3–4 inches for optimal texture and flavor. Maturing in just 50–55 days, Annie Oakley II is known for its heat tolerance and consistent production, making it a top pick for gardeners looking for reliable summer harvests in a hurry.
5. Perkins Long Pod
Perkins Long Pod is an old-fashioned, heirloom okra variety famous for its long, slender green pods, which can grow up to 9 inches while staying tender. The plant itself can reach heights of 6–7 feet, so it’s perfect for spacious vegetable gardens. It matures in about 55–60 days and produces abundant pods throughout the summer. Its sturdy growth, impressive yield, and classic flavor make it a favorite for frying, sautéing, or adding to gumbos and soups.
6. Jing Orange Okra
If you’re after something unique, Jing Orange Okra delivers eye-catching, deep red-orange pods with excellent flavor. This heirloom variety, originally from China, produces pods about 6 inches long and offers a mildly sweet, slightly grassy taste. Maturing in 60–65 days, it thrives in full sun and rich soil. Not only is Jing Orange productive, but it also adds striking color to the garden. Its ornamental beauty makes it a conversation starter, whether in vegetable beds or container gardens.
7. Cow Horn Okra
Cow Horn Okra is named for its distinctive, curved pods that can grow up to an impressive 14 inches long. Despite their size, the pods remain tender and flavorful if harvested at around 6–8 inches. This heirloom variety grows vigorously, reaching heights of 7–8 feet, and thrives in hot, humid conditions. It matures in about 65–70 days and is known for its exceptional productivity. Cow Horn is a favorite for traditional Southern dishes and makes a bold statement in any garden.
8. Louisiana Green Velvet
Developed for Southern climates, Louisiana Green Velvet produces rich, deep green, spineless pods with a velvety texture. The pods grow 6–8 inches long and are tender enough for frying, stewing, or pickling. The plants grow tall, up to 6 feet, and yield heavily throughout the summer. Maturing in about 60 days, this variety thrives in full sun and warm temperatures. Its vigorous growth and lush, dark foliage also add a touch of tropical appeal to vegetable gardens.
9. Silver Queen Okra
Known for its smooth, pale green pods, Silver Queen Okra stands out for both its flavor and beauty. The pods measure about 6–7 inches long and are tender with a mild, slightly sweet taste. Maturing in 80–90 days, it requires a bit more patience but rewards gardeners with abundant yields late into the season. Silver Queen’s strong plants grow 5–6 feet tall and prefer full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. It’s a favorite for classic fried okra and soups.
10. Burmese Okra
Burmese Okra offers massive, ribbed pods that remain tender up to 10 inches long — much larger than most other varieties. Originating from Southeast Asia, this heirloom variety matures in about 60–65 days and thrives in hot, sunny conditions. The plants are highly productive and can grow up to 7 feet tall. Burmese Okra’s mild, slightly grassy flavor and large size make it perfect for grilling, stuffing, or adding to stews. It’s a must-grow for gardeners seeking a unique and high-yielding summer crop.