Emerald Green Velvet Okra

Be sure to check out our Okra Growing Guide for more tips & tricks on successfully growing okra at home.

Emerald Green Velvet Okra is an heirloom, open-pollinated okra variety that dates back to the 1950s when it was originally introduced by the Campbell's Soup Company. This variety is a favorite in Louisiana where it can be found in a wide variety of Cajun dishes. Emerald Green Velvet produces long, ribbed pods that will tend to stay tender at longer lengths than other varieties. The pods have a dark green color and retain their color when cooked. We recommend harvesting every 2-3 days for optimum pod size, texture, and flavor.

Emerald Green Velvet Okra may be direct-seeded or transplanted. In early spring, we recommend transplanting to get a jump start on the growing season. Okra prefers warmer temperatures for seed to germinate. By transplanting, you can have plants in the ground before the soil temperature warms enough to direct seed. We recommend starting transplants 4-5 weeks before the desired outdoor planting date. Okra transplants grow great in our heavy-duty seed starting trays, where they develop a solid root ball with roots that are trained to grow downward. Plants are ready to go in the ground when they can be easily pulled from the cells in the seed starting tray.

For late spring and summer plantings, direct seeding is preferred. Emerald Green Velvet Okra can be easily planted with a walk-behind planter like our Hoss Garden Seeder. We suggest succession planting okra throughout the warmer months. Once plants get tall, they may become less productive and harvesting will become more difficult. As a result, we recommend planting a crop of okra in spring, summer and again in fall.

Emerald Green Velvet Okra Planting Information

Planting Method: direct seed or transplant

When to Plant: after last frost

Planting Depth: 1/2″

Seed Spacing: 12-18″

Row Spacing: 3′

Days to Maturity: 60

Disease Resistance: None