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Jade Okra is an open-pollinated variety developed by the University of Arkansas and released around 1991, prized by gardeners who want to save their own seed year after year. This early-maturing cultivar produces exceptionally tender pods on vigorous plants that reach 4 to 5 feet tall, delivering impressive yields in just 55 days from sowing. Unlike many okra varieties that struggle in late-season plantings, Jade thrives when sown after midsummer, making it a clever choice for extending your harvest into fall.
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Jade Okra distinguishes itself through its remarkable performance in late plantings, a trait that sets it apart from conventional okra varieties that demand peak summer conditions. The combination of early maturity, exceptional tenderness, and consistently high yields makes it a powerhouse producer, while its status as an open-pollinated variety means you can harvest seed from your best plants and replant them the following season without worrying about genetic drift or hybrid decline.
Jade Okra pods are harvested young and tender for cooking, a preference that aligns with the variety's breeding emphasis on tender texture. The pods work in traditional okra dishes, stir-fries, and preparations where a silky, non-stringy texture is valued.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds directly into the garden once soil temperatures reach at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Jade Okra performs exceptionally well in late plantings, so you can sow in early to midsummer for a fall harvest in many regions.
Pick pods when they are young and tender, typically 3 to 4 inches long, before they become tough and fibrous. Harvest regularly and consistently; removing mature pods encourages the plant to continue producing new flowers throughout the season. With Jade's reputation for exceptional yields, you can expect frequent harvests starting around 55 days after sowing.
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“Jade Okra emerged from the plant breeding program at the University of Arkansas, where researchers released it around 1991 as part of efforts to develop okra varieties with improved earliness and productivity. As an open-pollinated cultivar rather than a hybrid, it represents a deliberate choice to preserve genetic diversity and seed-saving capability, allowing home gardeners and farmers to participate in the ongoing story of this variety by selecting and replanting seeds from their most vigorous plants.”