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How to Grow Burgundy (Burgundy Okra)

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Burgundy (Burgundy Okra)

Abelmoschus esculentus var. Burgundy

vegetable

Burgundy okra is a colorful variety of okra featuring deep burgundy pods with red-tinged foliage. It grows as a tall annual plant and produces elongated, ridged pods that are edible when young and tender. The plant is both ornamental and productive, making it attractive for decorative gardens as well as vegetable plots.

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Example Burgundy (Burgundy Okra) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Burgundy (Burgundy Okra)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Burgundy (Burgundy Okra)

    Around Jun 6

    ≈ 50 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Burgundy (Burgundy Okra) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (8+ hours preferred for maximum production)
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water deeply 1-2 times per week depending on temperature and rainfall. Reduce watering slightly once established. Okra is moderately drought-tolerant but produces better with regular moisture.
📏
Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: 50-65 days from transplant to first harvest
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Planting depth: 0.5 inches for seeds; transplants at soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.8
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss or coconut coir Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9-11; grows as warm-season annual in zones 5-8

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seed Germination

5-10 days

Seeds sprouting with first cotyledons (seed leaves) emerging from soil. Soil should be warm (70-75°F minimum).

Soak seeds overnight to improve germination. Keep soil warm and consistently moist. Thin seedlings to strongest when 2 inches tall.

2

Seedling & Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Young plants developing true leaves, with burgundy-tinged foliage becoming more prominent. Plant grows taller with increasing stem thickness.

Provide full sun and maintain consistent moisture. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Thin to proper spacing (12 inches apart). Stake or support if needed.

3

Flowering

2-3 weeks before first harvestable pods

Yellow hibiscus-like flowers appear at leaf axils. The burgundy color intensifies on stems and developing flower buds.

Maintain steady watering and feeding with potassium-rich fertilizer to support flower set. Ensure adequate sunlight for pollination. Flowers typically last one day.

4

Pod Development & Harvest

6-12 weeks (from first pod to season end)

Burgundy pods form after flower drop and elongate rapidly. Young pods are tender and deep burgundy; mature pods become tougher and may fade to greenish-burgundy.

Harvest pods every 2-3 days when 3-4 inches long for best tenderness. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. Continue feeding with balanced fertilizer monthly.

5

Late Season & Decline

Until frost (zones 5-8); year-round in zones 9-11

Plant production slows as temperatures drop in fall. Pods become tougher and less tender if left unharvested. Foliage may yellow.

Continue harvesting until frost threatens. Cut plants at soil level or remove entirely. Save seed pods if desired for seed saving.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Eggplant Marigold Nasturtium Pepper Tomato Melons Squash

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Cabbage Broccoli Cauliflower Potatoes

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick early morning; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; attract natural predators like parasitic wasps

  • Spray undersides of leaves with water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly; use yellow sticky traps

  • Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs or lacewings

  • Increase humidity through misting; apply neem oil or miticide; remove heavily infested leaves

  • Use row covers on young plants; apply pyrethrin or neem oil; encourage natural predators

Uses

🍳

Fresh & Cooked Okra

Culinary

Young burgundy pods are edible and can be sliced and sautéed, fried, stewed, or pickled. The deep color provides visual interest in dishes. When properly cooked young, pods maintain a tender texture and mild flavor. [source]

💊

Nutritional & Wellness Support

Medicinal

Okra is rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and polyphenols with antioxidant properties. Traditionally used to support digestive health and blood sugar management. [source]

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Natural Thickening Agent

Household

The mucilaginous (slimy) texture of okra when cooked makes it a natural thickener for soups, stews, and gumbo. This property is due to okra's polysaccharide content. [source]

🎨

Ornamental Garden Plant

Craft

Burgundy okra's colorful foliage and flowers make it attractive as an ornamental vegetable for decorative gardens. The deep burgundy pods and reddish stems provide year-round visual interest. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The bright yellow hibiscus-like flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Growing okra supports beneficial insect populations in the garden. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest pods when 3-4 inches long and still tender (usually 3-4 days after flower drop). Pods should snap easily when bent. Use a sharp knife or pruners to avoid damaging the plant. Wear gloves as the plant has fine spines/hairs that can irritate skin. Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage continued flowering and production. Left unharvested pods mature to full size and become tough and stringy. For seed saving, allow a few pods to mature fully and dry on the plant before harvesting.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Burgundy okra was not widely available until the 1990s; before then, most okra varieties were standard green, making this cultivar a relatively modern development in home gardening.
  • 🌱 Okra is a member of the Malvaceae (mallow) family, making it a distant relative of hibiscus, hollyhock, and cotton.
  • 🌱 The plant's mucilaginous properties have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are now being researched for potential applications in pharmaceuticals and food technology.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Full Sun Germination Pollination True Leaves
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