How to Grow Okra Annie Oakley II

Okra Annie Oakley II

Abelmoschus esculentus 'Annie Oakley II'

vegetable

Annie Oakley II is a compact, high-yielding okra variety bred for container and small-space gardening. This spineless cultivar produces tender, deep-green pods on bushy plants that reach 3-4 feet tall, making it ideal for home gardeners. It matures quickly and produces prolifically even in shorter growing seasons.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily (6-8 minimum)

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times per week. Reduce watering slightly once established. Drought-tolerant once roots are well-established but produces better with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days

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Planting depth: 1 inch

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost aged manure peat moss or coconut coir

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8-11; can be grown as an annual in zones 7-8

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Cotyledons emerge with true leaves following. Plants develop a strong taproot system.

Keep soil warm (75-85°F) for germination. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Keep moist but avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Compact bushy growth with deep-green palmate leaves. Plant develops multiple branches and establishes root system.

Provide consistent moisture and regular feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Flowering

3-4 weeks into production

Yellow hibiscus-like flowers with red/dark centers appear in leaf axils. Flowers are typically short-lived, lasting one day.

Continue regular watering and feeding. Each flower that is successfully pollinated will develop into a pod. Ensure adequate pollinator access.

Pod Development & Harvest

8-12 weeks

Small green pods rapidly elongate to 3-4 inches. Pods should be harvested when tender and immature (before they become tough and fibrous).

Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. Wear gloves if the variety has spines (though Annie Oakley II is spineless). Deadhead old flowers to direct energy to new pod development.

Late Season Production

Until first frost

Production continues until frost or plant exhaustion. Plants may slow production in extreme heat.

Continue harvesting regularly. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade during extreme heat waves to prevent flower/pod drop.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil marigolds nasturtiums peppers eggplant tomatoes cucumber melons

Avoid planting near:

Fennel mint (too competitive)

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations. Encourage beneficial insects.
Increase humidity and mist foliage. Use neem oil or horticultural spray. Avoid excessive heat stress.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove infested leaves if necessary.
Ensure adequate air circulation. Spray with sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate. Remove affected leaves.
and
Practice good sanitation; remove dropped pods immediately. Use row covers early in season to prevent egg-laying.

Uses

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Stir-fries and sautés

Culinary

Annie Oakley II pods are tender and mild when harvested young, making them ideal for quick stir-frying, sautéing with aromatics, or adding to curry dishes. Their mucilaginous quality acts as a natural thickener in stews and gumbo. [source]

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Pickling

Culinary

Young okra pods are excellent for quick pickling with vinegar, dill, garlic, and spices. The compact size of Annie Oakley II makes the pods ideal for whole-pod pickling. [source]

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Nutritional supplement

Medicinal

Okra is high in vitamin C, K, and fiber, and contains mucilage compounds that may support digestive and joint health. Traditional use includes supporting blood sugar regulation. [source]

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Natural thickening agent

Household

The pods' natural mucilaginous properties make okra a plant-based thickener for soups, stews, and gumbo, eliminating the need for flour or cornstarch. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

The abundant yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators throughout the growing season, making okra a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting when pods are 3-4 inches long and still tender, typically 50-60 days after planting. Harvest every 2-3 days to maximize production and maintain tender quality. Pods become tough and woody if left too long. Cut pods with a sharp knife or scissors rather than pulling to avoid damaging the plant. Wear long sleeves if handling spiny varieties; Annie Oakley II is spineless for easier handling.

Fun Facts

🌱 Annie Oakley II is a dwarf spineless variety specifically bred by seed company Burpee in the 1990s to be ideal for containers, making it one of the few okra varieties that thrives in pots on patios and balconies.
🌱 Okra is a relative of hibiscus, cotton, and mallow—you can see the resemblance in its beautiful yellow flowers with deep red centers.
🌱 Okra has been cultivated for over 4,000 years, originating in Africa and becoming a staple crop across the Caribbean, Southern United States, South Asia, and the Middle East, where it's known by various names like 'gumbo', 'bhindi', and 'bamia'.

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