Clemson Spineless Okra
Clemson Spineless Okra is a beloved heirloom okra that has been a favorite of American gardeners for over 80 years. First introduced by Clemson University, this variety remains the gold standard for okra. It gets its name from the nearly spineless pods which makes harvesting much more pleasant on your hands! The plants are vigorous, often reaching 4–5 feet tall with beautiful cream-colored hibiscus-like flowers. Those blooms not only develop into tasty okra pods, but also attract pollinators like bees and even hummingbirds to your garden.
- This is an annual heirloom seed that grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-11.
- Each packet will have a little over 35 seeds.
- This variety is an early producer.
Clemson Spineless Okra is a beloved heirloom okra that has been a favorite of American gardeners for over 80 years. First introduced by Clemson University, this variety remains the gold standard for okra. It gets its name from the nearly spineless pods which makes harvesting much more pleasant on your hands! The plants are vigorous, often reaching 4–5 feet tall with beautiful cream-colored hibiscus-like flowers. Those blooms not only develop into tasty okra pods, but also attract pollinators like bees and even hummingbirds to your garden.
- This is an annual heirloom seed that grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-11.
- Each packet will have a little over 35 seeds.
- This variety is an early producer.
Clemson Spineless Okra is a beloved heirloom okra that has been a favorite of American gardeners for over 80 years. First introduced by Clemson University, this variety remains the gold standard for okra. It gets its name from the nearly spineless pods which makes harvesting much more pleasant on your hands! The plants are vigorous, often reaching 4–5 feet tall with beautiful cream-colored hibiscus-like flowers. Those blooms not only develop into tasty okra pods, but also attract pollinators like bees and even hummingbirds to your garden.
- This is an annual heirloom seed that grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-11.
- Each packet will have a little over 35 seeds.
- This variety is an early producer.
Growing Instructions
Okra loves heat. Start seeds after all danger of frost when soil has warmed (70°+). Clemson Spineless is open-pollinated and well adapted to a range of climates, but they prefer Zones 7-10 or any area with hot days and warm nights. Plant in-ground, in a large container, or in a raised bed with full sun, spacing seedlings about 12"-24" apart in rich, well-drained soil. For easier germination, soak the seeds overnight before planting. The plants are fairly drought-tolerant and handle heat with ease, though consistent moisture will support maximum pod production. As the okra grows, it becomes a bushy, chest-high plant.
Harvest, Storage, and Use
Clemson Spineless okra matures quickly, with pods often ready to pick just 50-60 days after planting. Once the plants start flowering, be prepared to harvest almost daily. The pods grow fast in warm weather and are best picked when they reach about 3 to 4 inches long and still tender. Use pruners or simply snap the pod off at the stem. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to keep producing right up until fall. If pods get much larger, they can become woody and may be better suited to dry and produce seed rather than eating. If you have a big crop, okra freezes well for long-term storage. Just be sure to blanch the slices briefly before freezing.
In the kitchen, pop sliced okra into soups and stews to act as a natural thickener, or coat pieces in cornmeal and fry them for a crispy side. The pods can be pickled whole with spices for a zesty snack or freeze dried for a crunchy treat. You can also add them to curries or split them and roast them in the oven.
| 👍 Good companions | Basil, marigolds, nasturtiums (repels pests), zinnias (attracts pollinators), lettuce, oregano, sunflowers, peas, melons | ||
| 👎 Bad companions | Cucumbers and squash (compete for space and spread mildew/pests), fennel (harmful to growth), brassicas like broccoli/cauliflower (compete for nutrients), tomatoes, sweet potatoes, eggplants (share pests) | ||
| Growing zones | 5-11 | Crop type | Annual |
| Crop difficulty | Easy | Seed type | Heirloom |
| Sowing method | Direct Sow | Containers? | Large / Bed |
| Sun req. | Full Sun | Ideal soil temp. | 75-85°F |
| Days to germination | 7-14 days | Days to maturity | 50-70 days |
| Seed spacing | 2" (thin to 12-18") | Row spacing | 24"-36" |
| Seed depth | 1/2" | Needs support? | Maybe |