Lee

Family: Malvaceae Vegetable

Tender pods of Lee arrive with a vivid, fresh green glow and a pleasantly crisp bite—best when harvested young for a silky, lightly sweet flavor that shines in quick sautés and vibrant sauces.

The plants are steady producers around 50 days, forming an upright, garden-friendly stand that keeps pods within easy reach. Grow Lee for dependable, spoon-tender okra that also shines in pickled relish for a bright, tangy finish.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 50 DaysHabit: Bush

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 14th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
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

Lee okra is built for the bite—harvested young, it stays crisp at first contact, then turns luxuriously viscous in the pan for that silky okra glaze. It’s especially strong in quick sautés and tangy pickles, where the lightly sweet, fresh-green flavor doesn’t get lost under heavy seasoning.

Best Uses

quick sauté with hot fat to set the outer pods without turning them to mush
gumbo or thickened stews where the pod’s viscosity acts like a natural binder
rapid-pickled relish for a sharp, crunchy tang
cut-thick grill/roast for a sticky glaze with firmer centers

Flavor Profile

spoon-tender snap when young lightly sweet, fresh green notes slippery, viscous “okra glaze” when cooked pleasantly grassy finish

Kitchen Pairings

smoked sausage or chorizo garlic onion tomato lemon or vinegar cornbread

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Abelmoschus esculentus (okra/lee), and how can I manage it?

A common issue is powdery mildew, which shows up as a white, dusty coating on okra leaves during warm, humid periods. Improve airflow by spacing plants and removing badly infected lower leaves, then spray an approved potassium bicarbonate or sulfur product according to label directions. Keep leaves as dry as possible when watering (water at the base), because wet foliage encourages spread.

How often should I water Abelmoschus esculentus during the main growing phase?

During the main production phase, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total from rain and irrigation, adjusted for hot weather and container drainage. Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil begin to dry, since okra roots dislike sitting in soggy soil. Consistent moisture helps prevent tough pods and blossom drop.

How do I know when Abelmoschus esculentus pods are ready to harvest?

Harvest okra pods when they are tender and about 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, typically starting around 50 days after sowing and then continuing every 2–3 days. Pods become fibrous if left to grow larger, so pick frequently. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the pod without damaging the stem.

Lee

Planting Schedule

Crop Dates

Crop Details

Culinary Notes

Frequently Asked Questions