Heirloom Organic Star Of David Okra Seeds (AKA Israeli Okra, Old Fashioned Okra) Seeds (10)
70 days from direct sowing.
This unusual heirloom (also known by the name of 'Old Fashioned') is a favorite for hot, humid, even dry climates. Bred in Israel, it is quite accustomed to extreme heat. Yet its handsome pods are succulent and delicious, without a trace of the texture that can make some okra so unpalatable.
Star of David takes its name from its appearance. When the 6- to 7-ribbed pods are sliced diagonally, they form a perfect Star of David -- very toothsome! But this plant is attractive from the moment it sprouts, offering bright yellow blooms and long, elegant pods.
Star of David is not a good choice for cool climates. This is a desert-grown plant, and while it withstands humidity and frequent rainfall very well, it needs heat to set its masses of delicious pods. On the other hand, if you live in a warm area and have been unsuccessful with okra before, Star of David is one that will not let you down!
Harvest these super-thick pods at 3 inches for richest flavor and best texture. Never slimy or mushy, these pods are packed with true okra bite. You will love them!
This plant reaches just 7 to 10 feet tall. The green foliage is often streaked with purple. And you can expect a whopping 2 pounds or more of pods from a single plant!
Okra is a warm-weather crop, needing both the soil and the nights to be warm before beginning its vigorous growth. Plants begin bearing when about a foot tall, and will continue until frost if kept picked. For best flavor, harvest the fruit at 4 to 6 inches. Pkt is 1/4 oz (125 seeds), which sows about 25 feet of row. How to Sow Okra:
If the summer growing season is short and spring is cool, start seeds indoors, 4-6 weeks before planting out, at a temperature of 72-75°
If the summer growing season is long and spring is warm, start seeds outdoors after all danger of frost is past and the ground is warm
Indoors and out, sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds and expect germination in 10-15 days
To hasten germination, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Bear in mind that seeds may rot if planted in cool, wet soil
When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed
How to Grow Okra:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves
Spacing: Space seedlings 15-18 inches apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart
Soil: Site in full sun in a neutral, rich, well-drained soil. Fertilize prior to planting, again when plants are 12 inches tall, and finally when the plants begin to flower
Temperature: Grows best when night temperatures remain above 50°
Additional Care: Okra is very tolerant of clay soils and heat
Appearance and Use:
This exotic, tropical-looking, plant grows 3-6 feet tall and produces 2-3 inch, pale yellow with a maroon center, Hibiscus-like flowers. Narrow, ribbed, edible pods with pointed ends follow the flowers. The pods become tough as they increase in size, so harvest them when they are 3 inches long or less. Pick them daily to keep the plants in production
About Okra:
Botanical name: Abelmoschus esculentus
Pronunciation: a-bel-mos’kus es-ku-len’tus
Lifecycle: Annual
Origination: Malvaceae; native to the tropics