Clemson Spineless is one of the most popular okra varieties. Its subtle taste is reminiscent of eggplant. It is eaten fried, sautéed, or barbecued. Simmered in soups or stews – it is the star ingredient of gumbos – its texture becomes a bit gelatinous and helps to thicken the recipe. The plants produce beautiful flowers that resemble those of the hibiscus before giving the green fruits ready to be harvested when they reach 8 to 12 cm in length. Soft perennial grown as an annual.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Seeds

~100

Difficulty       

Easy

Sowing        

Direct, Indoor

Lifecycle      

Tender perennial

Root cellar   

No

Sowing season       

Spring, Summer

Growing tips

Conditions of germination:

depth of sowing: 2 cm

optimal temperatures of germination: 26 to 32 ºC

time for germination: 14 to 21 days

although optional, the water scarification method can accelerate germination. To do this, cover the seeds with hot but not boiling water and soak them for 12 to 24 hours. Select the seeds whose epidermis has softened and proceed with sowing.

When to sow:

Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area OR

direct seeding when the soil is warm (18 ºC and +)

Sowing technique: in pocket

Inside the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds spaced 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm, keep all the plants if space is available or keep only the best plants.

for indoor seedlings: transplant into individual containers while waiting for transplanting in the garden OR

for direct seedlings: transplant to their final location in the garden

Transplanting outdoors (for seedlings started indoors):

after all danger of frost and when the soil has warmed (18 ºC and +)

Distance in the garden:

between plants: 30 cm

between rows: 60 cm

Height of the plants: 60-90, up to 120 cm

Soil: light, well-drained, warm, fertile

Exposure: full sun

Days to harvest: 60 days