Dwarf Okra
Carmine Splendor is a striking red okra hybrid that delivers speed and reliability in the garden, reaching harvest just 51 days from transplant. This F1 variety brings both visual drama and consistent productivity to warm-season vegetable beds, with its distinctive carmine-red pods standing out against deep green foliage. Bred for uniformity and high yields, it's the kind of okra that rewards attentive harvesting with a continuous supply of tender pods throughout the season.
18-24 inches apart
—
Moderate
9-11
?in H x ?in W
Annual
Moderate
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What sets Carmine Splendor apart is its combination of vivid red coloring and impressive productivity. This hybrid was engineered for speed and uniformity, meaning you'll get a synchronized harvest rather than staggered maturation. The pods stay tender and flavorful when picked at the ideal 3-4 inch size, but the real magic happens when you commit to regular harvesting, keep picking and the plant keeps producing, turning a single plant into a prolific machine.
As an edible okra variety, Carmine Splendor is grown for its tender green pods, which are harvested young and prepared in a wide range of dishes. The pods work beautifully in stir-fries, stews, and curries where their slight mucilaginous texture thickens broths and their delicate flavor absorbs surrounding seasonings. Sliced and fried, pickled whole, or simmered in tomato-based dishes, these young pods are best used fresh within days of harvest.
Sow seeds indoors 4-5 weeks before your last frost date in 2-inch pots or plug trays, placing 3 seeds per pot or cell at 1/4 inch depth. Maintain soil temperature between 80-90°F (27-32°C) for fast germination. Thin seedlings to one plant per pot once they've emerged and developed their first true leaves.
Transplant outdoors only after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed completely. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Handle transplants gently, taking care not to disturb the roots. Row covers can provide additional warmth and protection during the early weeks of establishment.
Harvest pods when they reach 3-4 inches in length by clipping them from the plant rather than pulling. This is the critical timing window, pods harvested at this size remain tender and flavorful, while oversized pods become tough and fibrous. Pick regularly and promptly; consistent harvesting encourages the plant to continue flowering and setting new pods throughout the season. Oversized pods left on the plant will slow overall productivity, so don't hesitate to harvest frequently.
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