{"product_id":"vegetable-silver-queen-okra-abelmoschus-esculentus-non-gmo-organically-grown-vegetable","title":"Vegetable – Silver Queen Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) – Non-GMO – Organically Grown – Vegetable","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVegetable – Silver Queen Okra (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbelmoschus esculentus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) – Non-GMO – Organically Grown – Vegetable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnnual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilver Queen Okra is a warm-season annual vegetable that thrives during long, hot summer days.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull Sun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the strongest plants and best pod production, plant Silver Queen in a location receiving \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e6–8+ hours of direct sunlight per day\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull Description\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilver Queen Okra (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbelmoschus esculentus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) is a beautiful heirloom variety prized for its unusual \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecreamy-white to pale ivory-green pods, tender texture and excellent flavour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis vigorous, branching okra can grow approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4–6 feet tall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, producing an impressive harvest of slender pods that can reach about \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e6–7 inches long\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor the most tender, delicious okra, harvest the pods young, ideally when they are approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3–4 inches long\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Frequent harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilver Queen has a mild, delicate flavour and is wonderfully versatile in the kitchen. Enjoy the young pods fresh, grilled, sautéed, fried, roasted or pickled, or use them to add their characteristic silky thickness to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esoups, curries, stews and gumbo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe plant itself is beautiful enough for an ornamental edible garden, producing attractive hibiscus-like flowers before developing its distinctive pale pods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDays to Maturity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 80 days.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing Silver Queen Okra from Seed:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOkra absolutely loves \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eheat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Warm soil is one of the most important ingredients for successful germination and vigorous growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor gardeners with shorter summers, starting seeds indoors is recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStarting Indoors:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStart seeds approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4–6 weeks before your last expected frost\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor faster and more consistent germination, soak the seeds in warm water for approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e12–24 hours before planting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSow seeds approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e½–1 inch deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in individual pots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the soil warm. Okra germinates best in genuinely warm conditions, with temperatures around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24–32°C (75–90°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e being ideal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeeds generally germinate in approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5–14 days\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e under warm conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide seedlings with plenty of bright light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOkra dislikes cold soil and frost. Wait until \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eall danger of frost has passed and the weather and soil have thoroughly warmed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e before transplanting outdoors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarden seedlings off gradually before planting them into the garden.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDirect Sowing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilver Queen can also be direct-sown once the soil is warm and nighttime temperatures are consistently mild.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSow seeds approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e½–1 inch deep\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpace plants approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e18–24 inches apart\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e30–36 inches between rows\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilver Queen prefers \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efertile, loose and well-drained soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with plenty of organic matter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the soil consistently watered during active growth and pod production, but avoid waterlogged conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMulching around established plants can help conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvesting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBegin checking plants regularly once pods start forming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarvest pods while they are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eyoung and tender\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, ideally around 3–4 inches long. Although Silver Queen pods can grow considerably larger, older pods eventually become tougher and more fibrous.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring peak production, check plants \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eevery day or two\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrequent harvesting encourages continued pod production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStratification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo stratification required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInstead, the hard seeds benefit from being \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esoaked in warm water for 12–24 hours before sowing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This softens the seed coat and can help encourage faster germination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo not cold stratify okra seeds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedicinal \u0026amp; Nutritional Properties\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOkra has a long history as both a nutritious food and a plant used in traditional practices.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOkra pods are particularly notable for their natural \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emucilage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the soluble, gel-like substance responsible for okra’s characteristic texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOkra also provides dietary fibre and contains a variety of naturally occurring plant compounds and nutrients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific research has investigated okra and its mucilage for potential roles relating to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003edigestive health, antioxidant activity, blood-glucose metabolism and other areas of metabolic health\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. However, these potential effects should not be interpreted as evidence that okra can prevent, treat or cure medical conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorically, different parts of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbelmoschus esculentus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e have also been used in traditional medicine for digestive complaints, inflammation and other purposes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilver Queen is sold by Bumbleseeds primarily as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enutritious edible garden vegetable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, not as a medicinal treatment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Growing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbelmoschus esculentus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVariety:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Silver Queen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eType:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Heirloom Okra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLife Cycle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Annual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Full Sun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Height:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 4–6 ft\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePod Colour:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Creamy White to Ivory-Green\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePod Length:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Up to approximately 6–7 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest Harvest Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 3–4 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDays to Maturity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 80 days\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeed Depth:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ½–1 inch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant Spacing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 18–24 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRow Spacing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 30–36 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGermination:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 5–14 days in warm soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStratification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e None\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePre-Soak:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 12–24 hours recommended\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Fertile, warm and well-drained\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Regular, consistent moisture without waterlogging\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrost Tolerant:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e No\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePollinator Friendly:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Yes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeed Count: 15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bumbleseeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50889554198693,"sku":null,"price":3.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/9870\/1221\/files\/A29C3F85-E6A0-45F4-83A2-3133B0961B2A.jpg?v=1792859607","url":"https:\/\/bumbleseeds.com\/products\/vegetable-silver-queen-okra-abelmoschus-esculentus-non-gmo-organically-grown-vegetable","provider":"Bumbleseeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}