Perkins Long Pod

Okra

55d to harvest

Tender pods with a graceful, elongated silhouette—Perkins Long Pod delivers a steady harvest of crisp, deep-green fruit that feels satisfyingly firm at first touch and turns delightfully mellow as it matures. Expect a mild, distinctly okra flavor with a smooth, lightly velvety interior that shines in fresh, roasted, and pickled preparations, as well as in thickening sauces. For home gardeners, this dependable 55-day variety rewards warm weather with pods that stay productive and wonderfully uniform from garden to table.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jul 10th
Harvest Begins	Sep 3rd
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)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Golden Queen Corn

Salt and Pepper Cucumber

African Marigold Marigold

Miniature Blue Corn

County Fair Cucumber

Taishan Yellow Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely on Abelmoschus esculentus (Perkins Long Pod), and how can I prevent or treat it?

Okra commonly suffers from aphids and spider mites, which show up as stippled, dull leaves and curled new growth, especially in hot, dry weather. Spray a strong blast of water to dislodge pests, then follow with insecticidal soap if infestations persist; for mites, keep plants well-watered and increase air circulation to reduce flare-ups. Watch for fungal leaf spots (dark, spreading lesions with yellow halos) and remove affected leaves early; avoid overhead watering and space plants to improve airflow.

How do I tell when Perkins Long Pod (Abelmoschus esculentus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest pods when they are young and tender, typically about 55 days from sowing, and then continuing every 1–2 days once production starts. For Perkins Long Pod, pick pods at roughly finger-length (about 6–8 in / 15–20 cm), before the seeds bulge inside; over-mature pods become fibrous and reduce new pod formation. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the stem, and handle pods gently because okra is prone to bruising.