Clemson Spineless Okra

Clemson Spineless 80 Okra is known for its smooth, tender pods and consistent production, this variety is perfect for gardeners looking to grow an okra plant that’s both beautiful and practical. This flowering plant is known for its satisfying crunch, and edible seed pods covered in natural juices with a distinct smooth mouthfeel. The vibrant green pods are perfect for frying, pickling, or adding to your favorite dishes, bringing a mild yet savory flavor with a satisfying crunch. A mandatory ingredient in gumbo, it has deep traditional roots in many southern and African cuisines in part by its introduction in Southern America through the slave trade in the 1500s. It's cultivated in warm and tropical climates, in part by its origins in Africa and South Asia. Clemson Spineless 80 Okra thrives in hot climates and is highly tolerant to heat, ensuring a successful harvest even in challenging growing conditions. It grows quickly and produces a high yield, meaning you’ll enjoy fresh okra throughout the growing season, making it a great choice for those with limited space or looking for fast-growing crops. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the simplicity of care and consistent output make this okra variety a standout addition to any garden.

Also Known As: Spineless Okra, Clemson Spineless, Lady Finger, Gumbo Okra, Green Okra, Southern Okra, Edible Hibiscus, Bhindi, Ochro, Abelmoschus Esculentus, Okra Pods, Green Velvet, Quingombó, Yangchao, Bamia.

Plant Name:	Clemson Spineless Okra
Latin Name:	Abelmoschus esculentus
Days to Germinate:	7-12
Days to Harvest:	55
Plant Height:	4 - 5 Feet
Spread:	2 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	3 - 4 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	5-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 3 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Okra is best planted in warm weather since it thrives in temperatures between 75F-90F.

Starting Indoors: For an earlier harvest, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 70F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when soil temperatures are at least 70F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant in late spring when the soil warms to at least 50F, or 2-3 weeks after all danger of frost has passed. For fall crops, directly sow outdoors or start indoors then transplant at least 3 months before the first expected frost.

To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 18 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-3 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	18 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	3-4 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 2-4 weeks after planting, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a complete fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Harvest okra when pods are about 3 to 4 inches long and still tender, around 50 to 60 days after planting, or 5-6 days after the flowers fade. It's best to pick the pods when they are young and firm, as older pods can become tough and woody. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the pods from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Be sure to check your okra plants every couple of days, as the pods grow quickly, and harvesting regularly will encourage the plant to produce more.