Heirloom
Jing Orange Okra is a stunning Chinese heirloom that stands out instantly in any garden with its deep reddish-orange pods that seem to glow in full sun. This frost-tender annual thrives in zones 9-10 and produces abundantly even in dry conditions, reaching harvest in just 30-70 days depending on growing conditions. The pods grow to 3-5 inches long and are remarkably tender, making them one of the most delicate okra varieties available. Plant in full sun with moderate water, space 12 inches apart, and you'll have flavorful pods ready far earlier than you'd expect.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-10
?in H x ?in W
Annual, Perennial
Moderate
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The pods arrive in a striking reddish-orange hue that deepens as they mature, making this variety as much a visual feast as a culinary one. Unlike many okra types that can turn woody, Jing Orange stays notably tender even as it grows, and it performs brilliantly in dry conditions without fussy watering schedules. Early productivity and exceptional flavor set it apart from common green okra varieties, delivering mature pods in as little as 30 days under ideal conditions.
This okra excels in soups where its tender texture dissolves slightly to add body and richness, and in fried preparations where the deep red-orange color makes a striking visual presentation. The pods are best harvested young and tender, around 3-5 inches, when they deliver maximum flavor and delicate texture. Asian stir-fries showcase both the color and the distinctive taste, while the pods can also be added to braises and curries for their unique character.
You can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date in a warm location (70-95°F), then transplant outdoors after the soil has warmed and all frost risk has passed. However, this variety germinates quickly in warm soil and often does better with direct sowing.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days, then plant in full sun once soil temperature reaches at least 70°F and all frost danger has passed. Space transplants 12 inches apart.
Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in warm soil (70-95°F) after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed thoroughly. Seeds sprout in 5-10 days under ideal conditions. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart once they develop true leaves.
Begin harvesting when pods reach 3-5 inches long and still feel tender to the touch; at this stage they deliver maximum flavor and the most delicate texture. In some conditions, you can harvest slightly larger pods up to 6-8 inches if caught early enough, but smaller pods are superior. Harvest every 2-3 days once production begins to encourage continued flowering and pod set. Cut or snap pods from the stem; the plant will continue producing through the season in warm climates.
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“This variety is a Chinese heirloom that has been preserved and cultivated in Asia for generations, bringing both heritage genetics and proven performance to home gardens. It arrived in Western seed catalogs through heirloom seed preservation movements, where it quickly earned recognition as a gardener favorite. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds celebrates it as their preferred okra variety, valuing both its ornamental beauty and culinary excellence as defining characteristics of this traditional cultivar.”