VegetableOkra
Emerald Okra
Spineless Variety
Emerald okra stands out with its story rooted in commercial food development, this heirloom variety was actually developed by Campbell's Soup Company in the 1950s specifically for their soups. These impressive 5 to 8 foot tall plants produce smooth, bright green pods that reach 7 inches long while maintaining their vibrant color when cooked. Unlike many okra varieties that become tough quickly, Emerald retains some tenderness even at full size, though it's best harvested at 4 inches for optimal flavor in zones 8-10.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/okra-seeds-emerald)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
8-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam; Warm Soil Preferred
Preferred Temp75-95°F
Growth Stats
PeriodAnnual
TypeBush
Spacing
12-18 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
8-10
Size
?in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What makes Emerald truly special is its commercial pedigree combined with home garden appeal. Campbell's Soup Company bred this variety specifically to hold its bright green color during cooking while staying tender longer than other okra varieties. The plants tower at 5 to 8 feet tall, producing an abundance of smooth pods that can be harvested continuously throughout the summer. Ready in just 60 to 69 days, these plants thrive in heat and drought conditions that would stress other vegetables.
Common Uses
Emerald okra excels in soups and cooked dishes, living up to its Campbell's Soup heritage. The pods can be eaten raw but truly shine when baked or grilled, developing their best flavor through cooking. This variety is particularly valued for dishes where color retention matters, as the pods maintain their bright green appearance even after prolonged cooking. The tender texture makes it ideal for adding to stews, gumbos, and other slow-cooked preparations.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Early Summer
First Harvest
Mid-summer
Last Harvest
Early Fall
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Sow seeds directly in full sun after the final frost date, planting them 1/2 inch deep in enriched soil. Space seeds 3 to 4 inches apart initially.
Harvesting
Harvest pods when they reach 2 to 4 inches long for the best tender texture, even though they can grow to 7 inches. Pick continuously throughout the growing season to encourage ongoing production. While Emerald maintains some tenderness at full size unlike other varieties, pods will lose their optimal texture if left on the plant too long after reaching maturity.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Soil pH Range
6 – 7
Bloom Time
Early Midseason/july - August
Scientific Classification
Abelmoschus Medik.
Family
Malvaceae
Genus
Abelmoschus
History & Origin
“Emerald okra carries the fascinating story of corporate agriculture meeting home gardening. In the 1950s, Campbell's Soup Company developed this variety specifically for their soup production, selecting for pods that would retain their bright green color during the canning process and maintain tenderness in their products. What started as a commercial variety has since found its way into seed catalogs as a treasured heirloom, allowing home gardeners to grow the same okra that once filled millions of soup cans across America.”