Aunt Hettie’s

Okra

Zone 6b Save Garden

🌱 55d to harvest Upright

Tender, velvety pods arrive with a lush, deep-green sheen and a pleasantly crisp snap that turns every harvest into a sensory del…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 6th
Harvest Begins	Jul 31st
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

Recommended Companions

Lemon Sweet Clove Basil

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Boxwood Basil

Minette Basil

Sweet Lemon Dan Basil

Red Rubin Basil Basil

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.

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.

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 after all danger of frost and keep soil evenly moist for fast, even germination—then harvest long pods steadily as they reach picking size.