Okra

Basic Information

Seed Number

165

Seed Name

Okra

Variety

Clemson Spinelesss

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Malvaceae

Plant Type

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 21

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

April, May, June

Indoor Start

Apr 21 – May 1

Direct Sow

May 26 – Jun 15

Transplant

May 26 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

2 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

3 weeks

Germination Days

12–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

58 days

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

65-90°F

Planting Depth

1/2-1 in

Plant Spacing

12-18 in

Row Spacing

36-48 in

Thin-To Spacing

12-18 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

About 1-2 in/week; water deeply during dry periods

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil that warms readily

Minimum Container Size

12+ in container

Plant Height

3-6 ft

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

Clemson Extension; MSU Extension

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow in warm soil or start indoors 2–3 weeks early
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 25 – Jul 10
Days to Harvest / Bloom: About 50–70 days
Container Friendly: Yes, 5–10+ gal
Pollinator Friendly: Yes; flowers attract pollinators
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary vegetable
Perennial?: Tender perennial in frost-free climates; annual in Zone 6B
Succession / Reusable Notes: One warm-season planting usually produces well; frequent harvest keeps plants productive.
Zone 6B Notes: Wait for truly warm soil and nights; okra grows poorly in chilly Michigan conditions.
Companion Plants: Peppers, eggplant, basil, marigolds and other pollinator flowers
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Do not plant in cold soil. Pods become tough quickly if oversized; harvest every day or two once production begins.
Sources: Clemson Extension: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/how-to-grow-okra-in-south-carolina-including-planting-dates-watering-fertilizing-ratooning-pest-management-and-harvesting-tips-for-healthy-pod-production/ | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Okra needs genuinely warm soil and weather. In Southeast Michigan, wait until roughly 3 weeks after the May 5 frost date before setting plants out or direct sowing. Starting indoors briefly can provide a useful head start.
Germination: Warm soil is essential. Soaking seed for several hours before sowing can speed water uptake through the hard seed coat.
Harvest: Harvest pods frequently while tender, generally around 3-4 inches long. Allowing pods to become old and tough can slow further production.
Seed Saving: Allow selected pods to remain on plants until completely mature, brown and dry. Clemson Spineless is open-pollinated and can cross with nearby okra varieties.
Special Care: The supplied spelling 'Clemson Spinelesss' is preserved exactly in the variety field; the documented cultivar is Clemson Spineless. It was introduced by Clemson University and is a classic spineless green okra.
Research Source: Ferry-Morse — https://ferrymorse.com/products/organic-okra-clemson-spineless-80 — Clemson Spineless identity, 12-14 day germination, 58-day maturity, 3-6 foot height, container suitability, full sun and water requirements
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]