Alabama Red Okra
Alelmoshus esculentus
Approximately 20 seeds per pack.
Germination ~ 96% Oct 2024 Packed for 2025
Alabama Red Okra is a unique and vibrant variety of okra that stands out due to its red and green short pods. The stems and leaf veins are also red. Like other okra varieties, Alabama Red Okra is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It's great for frying, pickling, or adding to stews and gumbo. Its red color can also give a visually appealing touch to any dish. The variety has roots in the southern United States and is known for its historical significance in Alabama, hence its name. Although less commonly found in commercial markets compared to the green varieties, it is popular among home gardeners and farmers due to its unique color and flavor.
Though some claim Ethiopia or South Asia as the origin, okra was likely first cultivated in west Africa. Okra made its way from west Africa to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade and became a staple, specifically in southern cooking, According to farmer, educator and author Leah Penniman enslaved Africans hid okra seeds in their hair on the forced journey across the Atlantic.
Appearance: The pods of Alabama Red Okra are distinctively reddish-burgundy in color, with a smooth, glossy texture and short, fat, red-and-green pods that grow to 4 inches. As the okra matures, the color can deepen, and the pods are often slightly ribbed. When cut, the flesh inside is typically green, although the color contrast can be striking.
Taste and Texture: This variety offers the classic okra flavor—mildly earthy, slightly grassy, and somewhat nutty. The texture is tender when cooked, with the typical okra "slime" or mucilage that makes it popular in dishes like gumbo or stews. However, the red pods often have a slightly different, sweeter taste compared to the more common green okra.
Okra adds body and flavor to soups, stews, and relishes, and can be grilled, braised, steamed, and sautéed. Traditionally a favorite for soups and stews, okra can be canned, fried, roasted or boiled. It is also great fresh off the stalk. The smaller pods are more tender so consider harvesting pods when they are about 3 Inches long. Pods get much bigger and the plants just keep growing until cool weather in the autumn. They will get 6 feet or taller in areas with a long, warm growing season.
Growth Characteristics: Alabama Red Okra plants grow to a height of about 4–6 feet, similar to other varieties of okra. The plants are hardy and thrive in warm climates with full sunlight. The pods develop quickly, usually taking around 55-65 days from planting to harvest. Like all okras, they are best harvested as soon as they reach their maximum size (or just prior to that). 'Alabama Red' grows on 5-7 ft. tall plants with stems and leaf veins also red.
Alabama Red Okra is a great addition to any garden or kitchen, especially for those looking to experiment with different types of okra that bring both visual and culinary appeal.
