Clemson Spineless Okra
Abelmoschus esculentus 'Clemson Spineless'
vegetableClemson Spineless is the standard okra variety, an heirloom that has been the home-garden benchmark since the 1930s, bearing straight, ridged, deep-green pods on tall, sturdy plants. Its spineless pods are easy to pick, and the heat-loving plants crop heavily over a long, hot summer, with the first pods ready in about 55 to 65 days.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~55 days
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
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Spacing
12-18 in. apart
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Planting Depth
1/2-1 in.
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Soil pH
6.0-6.8
Growing Details
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 5 – 11
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
At planting and again at first bloom
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10
🌱 Growing Guide
A heat-loving crop, direct sow after the soil has warmed to at least 70F and the weather is settled and warm, since okra sulks in cool conditions; soaking the hard seed overnight speeds germination. Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart in full sun and fertile soil, and give the tall plants room, as they can reach five feet or more. Okra is drought-tolerant once established but pods best with steady moisture and warmth.
Planting Calendar
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Start seeds indoors
Mar 18
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Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
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Projected first harvest
Jun 23
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Peppers — Shares heat-loving conditions
- Basil — Repels aphids and may deter other pests
- Sweet Alyssum — Draws hoverflies that eat aphids
- Sunflowers — Lure stink bugs away as a trap crop
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Encourage ladybugs and lacewings with flowers; rinse colonies off
Handpick and use sunflowers as a trap crop; clear weedy edges
Rotate crops and interplant marigolds; keep plants vigorous
🌾 Harvest & storage
Pick the pods young and tender at about 3 to 4 inches long, just a few days after the flowers fade, since pods left longer quickly turn woody and stringy. Harvest at least every other day to keep the plants producing, and wear gloves or a long sleeve, as the foliage and pods can irritate skin.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Okra is low in calories and a good source of vitamins C and K, folate, and fiber, and its characteristic mucilage is a soluble fiber that may help with blood sugar and cholesterol.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.