How to Grow Okra Red Burgundy

Okra Red Burgundy

Abelmoschus esculentus

vegetable

Red Burgundy is a striking okra cultivar with deep red to burgundy-colored pods and vibrant red stems. This heat-loving annual produces tender, edible pods that are delicious when harvested young. The plant's ornamental appearance makes it as attractive in the garden as it is productive.

Looking for a specific variety?

Red Burgundy Clemson Spineless Annie Oakley Emerald Louisiana Green Velvet Silver Queen

Growing Conditions

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

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought-tolerant once established. Water at base to avoid leaf diseases.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 50-65 days

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Planting depth: 1 inch

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Peat moss or coconut coir

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9-10; also grows as warm-season annual in zones 7-8

9a 9b 10a 10b

Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds sprout in 7-14 days with warm soil (75-85°F). Seedlings develop true leaves and grow slowly initially.

Soak seeds 24 hours before planting to improve germination. Keep soil warm and moist. Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost or direct sow after soil reaches 70°F.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops deep red stems and lush foliage. Reaches 3-4 feet tall with strong branching habit.

Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Stake or support if needed in windy areas.

Flowering

2-3 weeks before first pods mature

Beautiful hibiscus-like flowers appear in leaf axils, typically with pale yellow petals. Flowers last one day.

Maintain consistent watering and heat. Continue light fertilizing with balanced or low-nitrogen formula. No special pollination needed; self-pollinates.

Pod Development & Early Harvest

2-3 weeks into production cycle

Pods begin forming at flower base and elongate rapidly. Young pods are tender and deep burgundy colored, 3-4 inches long.

Harvest pods when 2-4 inches long for best tenderness. Pick every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. Older pods become tough and woody.

Peak Production

6-12 weeks until frost

Plant is fully mature and producing abundantly. Continuous flowering and pod formation occur throughout warm season.

Regular harvesting stimulates more production. Water deeply during dry periods. Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Watch for pests and diseases.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Cucumber Eggplant Melons Peppers Squash Marigold Nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Cabbage Broccoli Cauliflower Root crops (carrots, beets) Fennel

Common Pests

Handpick affected leaves early. Use neem oil or spinosad spray. Encourage parasitic wasps and natural predators.
Increase humidity with frequent misting. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil on undersides of leaves weekly.
Ensure good air circulation. Spray with sulfur or baking soda solution (1 tbsp baking soda + 1 tbsp oil + 1 gallon water) every 7-10 days.
Spray with strong water jet. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Plant alyssum or yarrow nearby to attract beneficial insects.

Uses

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Fresh Cooking & Southern Cuisine

Culinary

Red Burgundy okra is prized for stir-frying, frying, roasting, and adding to gumbo. The young pods remain tender and have a mild flavor with slight grassy notes. The striking burgundy color adds visual appeal to dishes. [source]

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Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

Culinary

Okra is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. The mucilaginous (sticky) compounds within okra may support digestive health. Traditional medicine uses okra to support blood sugar regulation. [source]

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Natural Thickening Agent

Household

The mucilage from okra pods serves as a natural thickener for soups, stews, and gumbo, reducing the need for flour or cornstarch. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The large, showy flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Growing okra supports pollinator populations in the garden. [source]

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Ornamental Garden Display

Craft

Red Burgundy okra's striking red stems, deep color, and hibiscus-like flowers make it a beautiful ornamental vegetable. Perfect for edible ornamental gardens and container plantings. [source]

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting when pods are 2-4 inches long and tender (about 3 days after flowering). Harvest every 2-3 days using a sharp knife to cut the stem. Pods become tough and stringy if left too long. Wear gloves when harvesting as the plant has fine hairs that can irritate skin. Continue harvesting until frost kills the plant.

Fun Facts

🌱 Red Burgundy okra is a relatively recent ornamental cultivar developed to combine productivity with striking visual appeal; the red pigmentation is due to anthocyanins, the same compounds that make blueberries blue.
🌱 Okra is called 'Lady's Fingers' in some regions because of the pod's finger-like shape, and 'Gumbo' in others—the name 'gumbo' itself comes from African Bantu languages, reflecting okra's African origins.
🌱 A single okra plant can produce 100-200 pods over a season if harvested regularly, making it one of the most productive warm-season vegetables for the space it occupies.

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