Aunt Hettie’s

Okra

55d to harvest

Tender, velvety pods arrive with a lush, deep-green sheen and a pleasantly crisp snap that turns every harvest into a sensory delight. “Aunt Hettie’s” okra forms upright plants that bear straight, well-filled pods—ideal for quick roasting, skillet searing, and vibrant pickling, with a flavor that stays bright and garden-fresh. Grow it for reliable, early production around day 55 and enjoy pods that hold their character from garden to table.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 26th
Harvest Begins	Aug 20th
Harvest Ends	Sep 24th

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if Aunt Hettie’s gets powdery mildew?

Powdery mildew often shows as a white, dusty coating on Aunt Hettie’s leaves, usually when days are warm and nights are cool or the canopy stays humid. Remove the worst-affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid overhead watering so foliage dries fast. If it keeps spreading, spray an approved sulfur-based fungicide early and repeat according to the label, especially when new growth appears.

How often should I water Aunt Hettie’s during the main growing phase?

From transplanting through the peak growth period, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, split into 1–2 watering days depending on heat and mulch. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent soggy roots, but don’t allow the root zone to fully dry out. If leaves wilt mid-day but recover by evening, you likely need more frequent, lighter watering rather than more water at once.

How can I tell when Aunt Hettie’s is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 55 days when the fruits/heads are fully colored for the variety and have reached their typical size with firm, tight texture. For best quality, pick in the morning and check a sample plant—if the outer parts are crisp and the inside is not yet tough or overdeveloped, it’s ready. If you see dulling color or excessive softness, harvest promptly the next day to avoid quality drop.