Silver Queen Okra is an heirloom, open-pollinated variety that produces light green pods that are almost white. The pods have less ribbing than traditional varieties which provides for tender pods at longer lengths. Pods remain tender at 6″ long. Plants can get as large as 7 feet fall and 2-3 feet wide. Silver Queen is a very productive heirloom okra variety. It will perform best when nitrogen supplies are somewhat limited. If given too much nitrogen, plants will produce mostly leaves and not okra pods. We recommend fertilizing minimally at planting and not providing additional nitrogen once pods are produced.
Silver Queen Okra may be direct-seeded or transplanted. In early spring, we recommend transplanting to get a jump start on the growing season. Okra prefers warmer temperatures for seed to germinate. By transplanting, you can have plants in the ground before the soil temperature warms enough to direct seed. We recommend starting transplants 4-5 weeks before the desired outdoor planting date. Okra transplants grow great in our heavy-duty seed starting trays, where they develop a solid root ball with roots that are trained to grow downward. Plants are ready to go in the ground when they can be easily pulled from the cells in the seed starting tray.
For late spring and summer plantings, direct seeding is preferred. Silver Queen can be easily planted with a walk-behind planter like our Hoss Garden Seeder. We suggest succession planting okra throughout the warmer months. Once plants get tall, they may become less productive and harvesting will become more difficult. As a result, we recommend planting a crop of okra in spring, summer and again in fall.
Silver Queen Okra Planting Information
Planting Method: direct seed or transplant
When to Plant: after last frost
Planting Depth: 1/2″
Seed Spacing: 12-18″
Row Spacing: 3′
Days to Maturity: 60
Disease Resistance: None
