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.
