Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. Okra is one plant that likes hot weather and usually snubs its nose at the heat, not surprising for a plant which originated in Ethiopia. Clemson Spineless is a Southern favorites but you might want to experiment with some different varieties. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange has one named Gold Coast that I want to try. This variety takes longer to mature but it has a deeper root system that some other types – a plus for me as my garden has nematodes and the deeper root system will help the plant survive the stress from these soil pests. Also, since I have shrunk vertically (but not horizontally, dag nab bit) I’ll be able to pick this okra more easily as it tops out at about five – unlike Clemson spineless which got up to seven feet in my garden last year.
Okra Can Beat the Heat
