Candle Fire

Okra

Zone 5b Save Garden

🌱 55d to harvest Upright

Candle Fire okra brings a vivid, flame-bright presence to the garden—tender pods with a crisp, juicy bite and a subtly sweet, gre…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 4th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 1st
Harvest Begins	Jul 26th
Harvest Ends	Oct 5th

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

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) and what should I do?

Okra commonly suffers from powdery mildew and leaf spots, especially when leaves stay damp or airflow is poor. Water at the soil line, space plants so they dry quickly, and remove heavily spotted leaves; if mildew appears, spray an approved sulfur-based fungicide and repeat according to label directions. Watch for aphids as well—blast them off with a strong jet of water and use insecticidal soap if needed.

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

During active pod growth, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply about 2–3 times per week in warm weather, increasing frequency if the soil dries faster than that. Aim to avoid wet foliage and check moisture by feel; okra slows and pods can be stunted if it dries out too much between waterings.

How can I tell when okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is ready to harvest?

Harvest starting about 50–60 days after sowing, when pods are tender and about 3–4 inches long (often first harvest occurs earlier than full maturity). Pick pods every 1–2 days during peak production before they get tough or fibrous, and harvest when the pod feels pliable and the surface hairs look fresh. If a pod is hard, very large, or easily snaps with stiffness, it’s likely past peak tenderness—remove it to encourage more flowering.

Candle Fire okra brings a vivid, flame-bright presence to the garden—tender pods with a crisp, juicy bite and a subtly sweet, green-bean flavor at peak harvest. The pods are slender and upright, holding their clean texture for standout roasting and quick sautéing, while their mild character also shines in rich sauces and hearty stews. Grow this 55-day performer for a long, rewarding harvest window and a striking splash of color from first bloom to the last pod.

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

Start Candle Fire indoors early enough to reach transplant size, but delay transplanting until soil is truly warm (60°F+) to avoid cold-stunt.