VEGETABLE Okra ‘Red Burgundy’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Abelmoschus esculentus
Red Burgundy is a striking heirloom okra variety that produces deep red pods on vibrant green plants. This warm-season crop is both ornamental and edible, making it a beautiful addition to summer gardens. The tender, red pods retain much of their colour when lightly cooked and are perfect for frying, pickling, stews, and curries. Red Burgundy is a high-yielding variety that thrives in full sun and warm, well-drained soil.
Why Grow Red Burgundy Okra?
- Produces stunning red pods that add colour to dishes and the garden.
- Tender and flavourful—ideal for curries, frying, and gumbo.
- High-yielding and quick to mature in warm growing conditions.
- Grows up to 1.2–1.5 metres tall—great for garden borders or feature planting.
- Heat-loving plant suited to warm regions and long summers.
Growing Instructions
- Soak seeds overnight to speed up germination.
- Sow directly into warm soil or start in trays and transplant after frost.
- Choose a sunny, sheltered position with free-draining soil.
- Water regularly during flowering and pod development.
- Harvest pods frequently to encourage continuous production.
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Warm-season annual. Tall, upright plant producing edible seed pods.
Sowing Information:
- Germination: 7 – 14 days
- Depth: Sow seeds 1.5 – 2 cm deep
- Position: Full sun in a warm, sheltered spot
- Sow Where: Direct sow after last frost or transplant seedlings
- Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost; pH 6.0 – 6.8
- Spacing: 40 – 50 cm between plants
When to Sow Okra in New Zealand:
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | Late spring to early summer | Best suited to warmest regions; sow after last frost |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Taranaki) | Late spring to early summer | Start indoors and transplant once nights are consistently warm |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | Early summer | Needs full sun and protection from wind; short-season crop |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | Not recommended unless grown in greenhouse or polytunnel | Okra requires high temperatures and long summers |
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners:
- Pre-warm garden beds with black plastic or cloches in cooler regions.
- Mulch around the base of plants to retain heat and moisture.
- Use a liquid feed every 2–3 weeks during flowering and fruiting.
- Harvest pods when they are 7–10 cm long—young and tender.
Harvest:
Begin harvesting around 55–65 days from sowing. Pick pods while still small and tender for best flavour. Regular picking encourages further production. Use gloves if sensitive to the plant’s sap.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.