• Fresh okra, a versatile vegetable used in various dishes. Le gombo frais, un légume polyvalent utilisé dans divers plats.
  • Vibrant okra vegetable, essential in diverse recipes. Légume de gombo vibrant, indispensable dans diverses recettes
  • In a field cultivating Emerald Green (Velvet) Okra Seeds Dans un champ cultivant des graines de gombo vert émeraude (velours)
  • This variety retains its color when cooked or canned Cette variété conserve sa couleur lorsqu’elle est cuite ou en conserve
  • Vibrant emerald okra, perfect for growing in your garden. Gombo émeraude vibrant, parfait pour la culture dans votre jardin.
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JNB Seed

Emerald Green (Velvet) Okra Seeds

Emerald Green (Velvet) Okra Seeds

$3.99 CAD
$3.99 CAD
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Emerald okra seeds yield spineless pods that maintain tenderness even as they grow to considerable size, reaching lengths of up to 20 centimeters at harvest. These dark-green velvet pods, resembling miniature wagon wheels when sliced, retain their vibrant color whether cooked or canned. Developed by the Campbell Soup Company and introduced in 1950, the Emerald okra traces its origins to northern Africa, where it still grows in the wild. Despite its African and Mediterranean roots, this unique member of the hibiscus family has become a culinary staple in the American South. Known for its reliability and ornamental appeal, Emerald okra matures in just 55 days, making it a delightful addition to any home vegetable garden.

Renowned for its versatility, Emerald okra pods are ideal for various culinary applications, including pickling, frying, and adding to gumbos. What sets this variety apart is its ability to maintain tenderness even as the pods grow larger, ensuring a consistently enjoyable dining experience. With its extended harvest period, Emerald okra allows for abundant yields throughout the summer months, starting early and continuing until the onset of frost. For optimal germination, it is recommended to scarify Emerald okra seeds before planting by nicking or scratching the exterior coating. This simple technique enhances germination rates and ensures a successful growing season. Enjoy the rewarding experience of planting and cultivating Emerald okra in your garden, adding both beauty and flavor to your culinary creations.

    How To Grow

    Sowing Emerald Okra seeds requires attention to temperature and timing to ensure successful growth. Gardeners in regions with shorter growing seasons should consider starting their non-GMO Emerald Okra seeds indoors, about 3-4 weeks after the last frost. Prior to planting, it's beneficial to soak the seeds overnight to promote quicker germination. Plant 2-3 seeds in each peat pot, maintaining a temperature of 26-32 degrees Celsius until germination occurs, and then thinning to the healthiest plant. Once the air temperature consistently reaches around 15 degrees Celsius, transplant the seedlings into well-drained soil in full sunlight, spacing them 30-38 centimeters apart in rows 90 centimeters apart. For those in warmer climates, direct sowing is an option by planting the non-GMO Emerald Okra seeds 1.9 centimeters deep and later thinning the plants to the same spacing.

    Growing Emerald Okra involves providing adequate moisture and temperature control for optimal development. Once the seedlings reach a height of 10 centimeters, applying mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Ensure the plants remain well-watered during dry spells. In cooler regions, additional measures such as black plastic or row covers may be necessary to maintain warmth. However, Emerald Okra demonstrates tolerance to cooler temperatures, making it a suitable choice for cultivation in various climates. By following these steps, gardeners can foster healthy growth and abundant harvests of this versatile and flavorful vegetable.

    Harvesting

    Harvesting Emerald okra is best done when the pods reach a length of around 7.6 centimeters, ensuring optimal taste and tenderness. Thanks to its spineless characteristic, harvesting is a painless process, allowing for easy collection of the ripe pods.

    Seed Saving

    Seed Saving for Emerald Okra requires careful attention to ensure the purity of the seeds and their viability for future planting. Since okra is prone to cross-pollination with other varieties, it's crucial to keep them isolated during seed saving. Allow the pods to fully mature on the plant until they turn brown, indicating readiness for harvesting. If the pods start to split, it's essential to cut them immediately to prevent any loss of seeds. Extract the seeds by twisting the pods or placing them in a bag and applying gentle pressure. Once removed, spread the seeds out to dry for about a week in a well-ventilated area. After drying, store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 2-3 years, ensuring they are labeled properly for identification. By following these steps, you can preserve the purity and quality of Emerald Okra seeds for successful planting in the future.

    Extra Facts

    Emerald Green (Velvet) Okra Seeds
    Planting Methods: Direct sow seeds in well-prepared soil or start indoors in seed trays for transplanting later.
    Blooming Season: Typically blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
    Planting Season: Plant outdoors after the last frost date in spring or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier.
    Latin Name/USDA Zones: Abelmoschus esculentus. Suitable for USDA Zones 5-11.
    Sunlight Required/ Height: Requires full sun; grows to a height of approximately 90-120 centimeters.
    Shelf Life After Test Date: Shelf life varies but typically ranges from 1 to 3 years after the test date.
    Seed Type: Open-pollinated seeds.
    Soil Type: Thrives in well-draining loam soil, but can also tolerate clay or sandy soil types.

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