Collection: Okra Seeds

Plant some okra for those wonderful southern dishes

2 products

Okra Seeds - Grow Organic

Okra, scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus, is a versatile and nutritious vegetable with a rich history in culinary traditions worldwide. Not only is okra known for its delightful nutty flavor and unique texture, but it also packs a nutritional punch. Discover how our premium okra seeds can help you grow this nutrient-packed vegetable in your own garden, and enjoy fresh, homegrown okra in your favorite dishes!

The Nutritional Benefits of Okra Seeds:

Okra seeds are a hidden treasure of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to their reputation as a nutritious food. Here are some key nutritional highlights:

  1. Vitamins: Okra seeds are a rich source of essential vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and various B vitamins like folate. These vitamins support immune function, vision, and overall health.

  2. Minerals: Okra seeds contain important minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These minerals contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure, muscle function, and bone health.

  3. Antioxidants: Okra seeds are abundant in antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

  4. Dietary Fiber: Okra seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain a feeling of fullness, and supports a healthy gut.

Growing Okra Seeds:

Growing okra from seeds can be a rewarding experience, whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice. Here are the steps to successfully grow okra seeds:

  1. Select a Suitable Location: Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil. Okra thrives in full sun, so make sure it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

  2. Prepare the Soil: Okra prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter like compost to improve fertility and drainage.

  3. Planting Okra Seeds: Okra seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors and transplanted later. If starting indoors, sow seeds in biodegradable pots about 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant the seedlings when they have two to three true leaves and the danger of frost has passed.

  4. Spacing: Plant okra seeds or seedlings approximately 12-18 inches apart in rows spaced 3-4 feet apart. This spacing allows adequate room for the plants to grow and produce pods.

  5. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Okra plants require regular watering, especially during dry spells.

  6. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

  7. Supporting Growth: Okra plants can grow tall and may benefit from staking or support as they mature to prevent them from bending or breaking.

  8. Harvesting: Okra pods are typically ready to harvest when they reach 2-4 inches long, usually within 50-60 days of planting. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous pod production.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Okra Seeds:

Okra pods are well-known for their culinary versatility, but don't overlook the seeds. Here are some creative ways to enjoy okra seeds:

  1. Roasted Okra Seeds: Roast okra seeds with a touch of olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices for a crunchy and nutritious snack.

  2. Smoothies: Add okra seeds to your morning smoothies to boost vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

  3. Baking: Incorporate ground okra seeds into baked goods like muffins, bread, or pancakes to enhance their nutritional value.

  4. Soup Thickeners: Okra seeds can be used as a natural thickener in soups and stews, imparting a subtle nutty flavor.

  5. Salads: Toasted okra seeds can be sprinkled over salads for added texture and flavor.

Okra seeds are a nutritional powerhouse that can be easily grown in your garden. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they offer a range of health benefits and culinary possibilities. By following the simple steps for growing okra seeds and exploring creative ways to enjoy them in your meals, you can make the most of this versatile and nutritious vegetable in your garden and kitchen alike. Explore our selection of okra seeds at GrowOrganic and embark on a journey to grow your own nutrient-rich okra crop.

We have a companion guide on growing and enjoying okra. Also learn more about seed starting in your organic garden with our resource guide and buy everything you need with our Seed Starting Kit.

FAQs: Annie's Perennials

What are perennial plants?

Perennial plants live for more than two growing seasons. If properly cared for, they will return year after year with consistent bloom times to add color and diversity to your garden.

What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

The key difference between annuals and perennials is their lifespan. Annuals live for one growing season, although some of our annual plants do re-seed, thereby prolonging their benefits past a single season. Perennial plants and perennial flowers persist for several years, returning year after year, every growing season. Another difference is that true annuals will bloom throughout the entire season; whereas, perennials may bloom intermittently during or between seasons.

What are the benefits of growing perennials?

Perennial plants and flowers provide lasting beauty and structure to your garden. They have specific seasonal bloom times that remain consistent year after year, ensuring vibrant color for your garden throughout the seasons. Perennials also contribute to biodiversity and help the overall environment. Their deep root systems help prevent soil erosion and retain nutrients, while also sequestering carbon. Planting lots of different perennials with varied bloom times ensures consistent, reliable food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial wildlife.

When should I buy perennials to plant?

The ideal time to plant perennials is spring or early fall. This allows them to establish their root system before extreme weather.

How do I care for perennial plants?

In general, Perennials need watering, occasional fertilization, and deadheading to encourage repeat blooming. The specific care needs can vary by type. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer many native and low water, low-maintenance perennials to make planting and caring for them easy. We want to make gardening success attainable for everyone.

Can you plant perennials in pots or containers?

Yes! We have hundreds of perennial plants that work well in containers as well as in garden beds. Just make sure your pot size is adequate for the root system of your particular plant.

Do perennials require full sun?

Some perennials prefer full sun, which typically means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Other varieties require full or partial shade. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer you many options for both shade and sun plants to fit every gardening need.

Do perennials attract pollinators and wildlife?

Yes! Perennials, with their reliable bloom times, are valuable additions to a pollinator-friendly garden. They provide consistent food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial wildlife. Planting many different perennials with varied bloom times will attract and feed pollinators throughout all of the seasons.

What are some popular perennial flowers?

Some common perennials include <strong>Yarrow</strong> (Achillea millefolium), </strong>African daisies</strong> (Arctotis) </strong>Butterfly Bush</strong> (Buddleja davidii), <strong>Campanula, Dahlia, Delphiniums, Peonies (Paeonia), Roses (Rosa), Irises, and Coneflowers</strong> (Echinacea). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost hundreds and hundreds of popular perennials – like the ones previously mentioned, along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we also offer many more perennials that are quite unusual and hard to find

What are hardy perennials?

Hardy perennials are perennial plants that grow for multiple seasons and can survive very cold weather in their growing zones. For this reason, hardy perennial plants are the perfect plant selection for any garden.

Do perennials come back every year?

Yes, if planted and cared for properly, perennials will return year after year. At Annie’s, we offer hundreds of perennials that are perfect beginner plants– easy to grow and easy to care for - so everyone can garden successfully.

What are different types of perennials?

Flowering Perennials: Are known for vibrant, consistent and long-lasting blooms. Examples include peonies (Paenonia), roses (Rosa), coneflowers (Echinaea), Abutilon, Alstroemeria, african daisy (Arctotis), foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), carnations (dianthus), geraniums, sages (Salvia), Strawflowers (helichrysum bracteatum), hollyhocks and impatiens, among many others.

Foliage Perennials: Are known for their striking, colorful foliage. Hostas, heucheras, and ornamental grasses are some common varieties.

Shade-Loving Perennials: Thrive in low-light or partial shade conditions. Examples include astilbes, ferns, and bleeding hearts (dicentras). Some of our favorite shade perennials at Annie’s are Begonias, Fuchsias, Sedges, Hellebores, Heucheras, and Impatiens.

Sun-loving perennials: Thrive in full sun conditions (meaning full sun for at least 6 hours per day). Some common examples of sun-loving perennials are lavender (Lavandula), sage (Salvia), African daisy (Arctotis), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost one thousand sun-loving perennials – like the ones previously mentioned along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

Herbaceous Perennials: These are perennial plants that die back to the ground each Fall or Winter, but whose roots remain alive and send up new growth and reemerge in the Spring or Summer. They include a variety of flowers and foliage, like columbines (Aquilegia), delphiniums, foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), and Iris.

Woody Perennials: These are shrubs and small trees that persist for many years, bringing useful structure and seasonal blooms to your garden. Examples include hydrangeas, California lilac (Ceanothus), fuchsias, and butterfly bushes (Buddleja).

Native Perennials: are well-suited to specific regions and often need less maintenance and human intervention. California native plant species might include yarrow (Achillea), California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), milkweed (Asclepias), monkey flowers (Mimulus), and some sages (Salvias), depending on your location. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer one of the largest selections of CA native perennials to be found anywhere.

Long-Blooming Perennials: Have extended blooming periods and can include varieties like Alstroemeria, Abutilon (Flowering Maples), African daisies (Actotis), Agastache, coreopsis, yarrow (Achillea), and sages (Salvias).

Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Can withstand periods of dry conditions and need less watering. Examples include lavender (Lavandula), yarrow (Achillea), sedum (stonecrop), Agastache, Aloe, milkweed (Asclepias), and some sages (Salvias).

Deer-resistant Perennials: Have characteristics that make them less appealing to deer. Options include yarrow (Achillea), lambs' ears (Stachys byzantine), Agastache, and some ornamental sages (Salvia).

Perennial Bulbs: Some perennials grow from bulbs, including favorites like tulips, daffodils, freesias, ranunculus, and irises. They return year after year, adding color to your garden each spring.

Climbing Perennials: Perennial vines like clematis and wisteria add vertical interest to your garden, climbing trellises, arbors, and fences.