Okra 'Clemson Spineless'

The 4'-6' height range on this entry is misleading. My first year growing it (2010) I was using an 8' ladder to harvest daily by the end ...Read Moreof the season. It was at least 10' tall. To control that issue, you can cut the growing tip off when it's about two thirds of the height you want it to end up, and it will branch from there instead of getting endlessly taller. We cut the old, woody stalks down with a hack saw in the fall.

As a major upside in my garden, I've *never* had okra come up from the previous year's unharvested pods. I've always had to plant it where and when I want it growing. It won't spread.

Also note, you should only grow this if you're *really* into okra. Harvesting daily from six plants, we always have enough to feed four people a full serving every 2-3 days, with leftovers. When we have too much, we give it away by the grocery bag full. It's like zucchini with a better texture and flavor.

If you don't like okra, find someone who does like it and ask them how to cook it so it's good. It's not so much an acquired taste, as an acquired cooking skill.

I give it a 'negative' because there are so many more varieties out there that are a lot better. This variety puts on okra but the pods ...Read Moretend to get very tough even at an early stage. I have picked Clemson Spineless pods at two inches and they still were tough. It is hit and miss with this variety. I recommend choosing a variety that will allow the pods to get larger before getting tough. Clemson Spineless is very popular in this area but folks are stuck in their ways and refuse to plant anything different. There are better varieties out there! Research them and give them a try. You will be happier in the long run.

This plant will become bushy if broken off. I discovered this quite by accident when our very large dog got into the vegetable garden la...Read Morest year and broke several plants. I thought they were goners, but left them. I was surprised to find a week later that new shoots were coming out on the broken off plants. Each of those shoots branched, bloomed, and produced more okra! I love this plant!

This was my first time with okra. We planted 8' of it. From that we canned 20 pints of pickled Okra, and ate at least 15 (two person) ser...Read Morevings.

Eventually had to cut it down when it was over 9' tall.

Can't wait till next years crop!!