Star of David Okra

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

Star of David Okra is a variety that originated in Israel, hence the name Star of David. This is an open-pollinated favorite that's an heirloom favorite for many okra growers. Star of David produces pods that are shorter and thicker than the traditional okra varieties. Pods are best when picked around 3 to 4 inches long. The pods are deeply ribbed with approximately 8 ridges or spines per pod. When sliced, the pieces resemble a star. This is our favorite variety for frying as the larger pieces absorb flour well and are easier to bread. Plants can get as large as 7 feet tall.

Star of David 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. Star of David 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.

Star of David 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: 80

Disease Resistance: None