Alabama Red

Family: Malvaceae Vegetable

Tender Alabama Red okra pods arrive with a vivid, wine-red glow and a crisp, juicy bite that stays pleasantly tender when harvested young.

The pods are smooth and straight with a fine, velvety interior that lends itself beautifully to roasting, quick sautéing, and thickening sauces—plus it’s a standout for pickling when you want extra tang and color.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Alabama Red’s young pods hit crisp and juicy before the okra gel takes over, so you can control the texture—sauté hard and short, or roast for caramelized edges with a creamy center. Its built-in velvety thickener and natural color make it especially showy in quick vinegar pickles and tomato reductions.

Best Uses

quick sauté in hot oil so the pods stay snappy
roasting at high heat for browned edges and creamy interior
pickling for tangy crunch and wine-red color retention
stirring into a reduced tomato-based sauce to naturally gloss and cling

Flavor Profile

crisp, juicy bite with a tender core mild vegetal flavor velvety okra-fiber that thickens fast gentle grassy finish that plays well with acid

Kitchen Pairings

garlic tomatoes lemon vinegar smoked paprika cornbread

Frequently Asked Questions

My Alabama Red (55 days) plants have sticky residue and curled leaves—could this be aphids, and what should I do?

Yes—aphids often show up as clusters with sticky honeydew and leaf curling on Alabama Red. Spray plants with a strong jet of water to knock aphids off, then repeat every 2–3 days for a week; for heavier infestations, use insecticidal soap (especially on the undersides) and follow the label. Remove any badly distorted growth so the plants can refocus energy on fruiting.

How often should I water Alabama Red during the main growth phase?

During the main growth and fruiting period, keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total, adjusting for heat and rain. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and avoid frequent light watering that keeps roots shallow. Mulch with 2–3 inches to stabilize moisture and reduce drought stress that can lead to uneven development.

How can I tell when Alabama Red is ready to harvest?

Harvest Alabama Red at about 55 days from sowing/appropriate transplant timing when pods or heads (depending on your crop type) have reached their full red color and feel firm for their size. Do a test pick—if the flesh/pods are fully developed and no “green” finish remains, harvest promptly to maintain quality. Letting it stay past peak color can reduce tenderness and flavor.