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Annual Biennial

Abelmoschus esculentus 'Clemson Spineless'

okra 'Clemson Spineless'

A nearly thorn-free annual which grows to around 1.5m in a summer. It has palmate green leaves and cream flowers with a dark red eye. These are produced in small clusters daily, which then develop into elongated green fruits, best harvested at 4-5cm long.

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Cream Red Green Green
Autumn Cream Red Green Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Spreading branched
Genus

Abelmoschus are hairy annuals or perennials with large, usually palmately-lobed leaves and 5-petalled, hibiscus-like, flowers borne in the leaf axils or in terminal racemes

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive soil under glass

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

No pruning required. Keep harvesting young seed pods to prolong flowering. Wear gloves to protect against irritating hairs on stems

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds

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