View Larger Okra

Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon Fruit Garden & Nursery Lower Garden Upper Garden Pioneer Farm Slave Cabin Garden

  • Fruit Garden & Nursery
  • Lower Garden
  • Upper Garden
  • Pioneer Farm
  • Slave Cabin Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend

    Okra is a tall plant with cheerful yellow flowers that are reminiscent of hibiscus blossoms. They produce green seedpods that are best harvested when they are 2 to 3 inches long.

    Purchase

    Seeds available to purchase from Mount Vernon

    Shop Now


    Latin Name

    Abelmoschus esculentus


    Family

    Malvaceae


    Also Known As

    Ladies' Fingers , Ochro


    Type of Plant

    Annuals Annuals
    Vegetables Vegetables

    Seasons

    Summer Summer

    Specifications

    Max height Max Height: 6'
    Max spread Max Spread: 5'

    Uses

  • Annual
  • Edible
  • Vegetable

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Colors


    Native Range

    Old World Tropics


    History

    Lady Jean Skipwith of Prestwould was growing okra in her garden in 1793.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator
    Sold at Mount Vernon Sold at Mount Vernon

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

    Shop Now
    Login
    Buy Tickets Activities Calendar Shop Restaurant Give Membership
    Estate Hours

    9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    iconDirections & Parking
    buy tickets online & save