Ulsan

Family: Malvaceae Vegetable

Tender pods of Ulsan arrive in about 55 days with a vivid, fresh look—deep green and pleasantly crisp, offering a clean, mild flavor that turns especially satisfying when roasted to a golden edge.

The pods hold their snap at harvest, with a smooth, lightly ridged surface and a slender, upright form that’s easy to pick at peak tenderness. Grow Ulsan for reliable, garden-ready harvests and a versatile market-class okra presence in your favorite fresh preparations and pickling-style uses.

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	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 14th
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)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ulsan’s pods are built for that sweet spot between crisp and tender—when roasted, the ridges brown quickly and the insides turn pleasantly silky without going stringy. Pick it young and you get a clean, green bite that plays well with sharp acid (lemon/vinegar) and smoky spices.

Best Uses

hot-and-fast roasting for golden edges while keeping pods crisp
quick sauté with minimal sauce so the okra stays snappy
thickened braises/curries where the pods add a smooth, not-gluey viscosity
pickle-style preparations to emphasize crispness and bright acidity

Flavor Profile

clean, mild vegetal taste crisp snap with a light, silky okra body fresh green, lightly vegetal sweetness ridged surface that roasts up caramel-gold at the edges

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic smoked paprika tomato vinegar cornmeal (for frying/crumb coating)

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), and how can I treat them?

Okra commonly suffers from aphids and whiteflies, which stunt growth and leave sticky residue, and it can develop powdery mildew in humid conditions. Spray plants with a strong jet of water to knock off aphids early, then apply insecticidal soap (especially undersides) as needed; for powdery mildew, improve airflow by pruning crowded growth and avoid overhead watering, and remove heavily affected leaves promptly.

How often should I water okra during the main growing phase (around flowering and pod set)?

During flowering and pod set, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—typically about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 2–3 deep waterings if it’s hot and windy. Water at the base in the morning, and let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings so roots stay oxygenated.

How do I know when okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest pods about 50–60 days after sowing, typically when they’re 2–4 inches long and still tender; older, larger pods become fibrous quickly. Pick every 1–2 days once pods start forming, and harvest before seeds inside the pod get noticeably large or the pod feels tough.