Annie Oakley II

Okra

Zone 4b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Annie Oakley II

🌱 50d to harvest Upright

Tender pods arrive with a crisp, snap and a refreshingly mild, green-bean flavor—best when harvested young, before they turn toug…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 10th
Harvest Begins	Jul 30th
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem with Annie Oakley II lettuce, and how do I stop it?

The most common issue is downy mildew, which shows as yellow patches on the leaf tops with gray-purple growth on the underside. Remove and discard affected leaves, increase spacing/airflow, and avoid wetting the foliage when you water. If it keeps spreading, switch to a labeled downy mildew treatment and stop overhead watering until conditions dry out.

How often should I water Annie Oakley II during its main growing phase?

During the main growth (about weeks 3–6), keep soil consistently evenly moist—typically about 1 inch of water per week total, adjusted for heat and wind. Water early in the day so leaves dry quickly, and check that the top 1 inch of soil stays moist but not soggy. If you see leaves becoming limp or edges browning, increase watering frequency slightly; if soil stays wet and heavy, reduce watering to prevent rot.

How can I tell when Annie Oakley II is ready to harvest?

Harvest at around 50 days when heads are firm and reach full size, with outer leaves that look fully expanded and crisp. If you press gently on the head and it feels tight rather than loose, it’s ready; if it starts to feel less firm or the center is stretching, harvest immediately. Cut at the base with a sharp knife in the morning for the best texture and flavor.

Tender pods arrive with a crisp, snap and a refreshingly mild, green-bean flavor—best when harvested young, before they turn tough. Annie Oakley II produces an abundance of straight, spineless okra pods with a smooth, satiny surface and a clean, bright color that looks as good as it tastes in the garden. Grow it for reliable summer harvests and for bold, flavorful dishes where okra’s silky body shines in sauces, stir-fries, and pickles.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Direct-sow in warm soil and keep it evenly moist until emergence to maximize early, high-yield pod set.