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Okra - Firefly Farms & Mercantile

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Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - 57 days. Grown by the Bowling family of Virginia since the 1920s. Early, productive, and beautiful - one of the best okras in the Kerr Center’s trial of 30 heirloom varieties. Long, slim, tender red pods. 7-8 ft. plants have red stems and red-veined leaves. Characteristics: Organic Plants grow to 7-8 feet tall Pods are red Pods grow to 9-12 inches long 47 days 4g, 80- 100 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6-8" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - 57 days. Grown by the Bowling family of Virginia since the 1920s. Early, productive, and beautiful - one of the best okras in the Kerr Center’s trial of 30 heirloom varieties. Long, slim, tender red pods. 7-8 ft. plants have red stems and red-veined leaves.
Characteristics: 
<li>Organic</li>
<li>Plants grow to 7-8 feet tall</li>
<li>Pods are red</li>
<li>Pods grow to 9-12 inches long</li>
<li>47 days</li>
<li>4g, 80- 100 Seeds per packet </li>
 
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields.
Direct Seed 2" apart
Plant 1/2" deep
Thin 6-8" apart
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Bowling Red Okra, Organic Heirloom Seeds

Default Title

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - 53 days. Bears when plants are 18 in. tall and continues to bear until frost. Huge leaves, typically 16 in. across. 9-12 in. slender pods are curved and virtually spineless. Pods mature from light green to creamy yellow-green. At 10 in. long they are tender, sweet, and spineless enough to be eaten raw or added to salads. Pods are less gooey than other okra. Characteristics: Organic Plants grow to 4 feet tall Pods are deep burgundy Pods grow to 9-12 inches long 50 days 4g, 80- 100 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6-8" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - 53 days. Bears when plants are 18 in. tall and continues to bear until frost. Huge leaves, typically 16 in. across. 9-12 in. slender pods are curved and virtually spineless. Pods mature from light green to creamy yellow-green. At 10 in. long they are tender, sweet, and spineless enough to be eaten raw or added to salads. Pods are less gooey than other okra.
Characteristics: 
<ul>
<li>Organic</li>
<li>Plants grow to 4 feet tall</li>
<li>Pods are deep burgundy</li>
<li>Pods grow to 9-12 inches long</li>
<li>50 days</li>
<li>4g, 80- 100 Seeds per packet </li>
</ul>
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields.
Direct Seed 2" apart
Plant 1/2" deep
Thin 6-8" apart
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Burmese Okra, Organic Heirloom Seeds

The Seed Savers Exchange - This variety has delighted the Cajun Country since the 1950s! Splineless, compact plants reach 3–4' tall and yield an abundance of relatively early 6"-8"-long pods with great flavor. Introduced by Southern Exposure Seed Exchange in 1989, this versatile gem thrives in hot climates but also adapts well to cooler ones. Its beautiful blooms are a bonus. Characteristics: Organic Plants grow to 3-4 feet tall Pods are spineless and grow 6-8" long 60-65 days 50 Seeds per packet This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but does not tolerate cold well Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6-8" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - This variety has delighted the Cajun Country since the 1950s! Splineless, compact plants reach 3–4' tall and yield an abundance of relatively early 6"-8"-long pods with great flavor. Introduced by Southern Exposure Seed Exchange in 1989, this versatile gem thrives in hot climates but also adapts well to cooler ones. Its beautiful blooms are a bonus. 
Characteristics: 
<ul>
<li>Organic</li>
<li>Plants grow to 3-4 feet tall</li>
<li>Pods are spineless and grow 6-8" long</li>
<li>60-65 days</li>
<li>50 Seeds per packet </li>
</ul>
<meta charset="utf-8">This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but does not tolerate cold well
Instructions - <meta charset="utf-8">Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. 
<ul>
<li>Direct Seed 2" apart</li>
<li>Plant 1/2" deep</li>
<li>Thin 6-8" apart</li>
</ul>
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Cajun Jewel Okra, 1950's Heirloom, Organic

Very productive variety with early, bright green pods. High Mowing Organic Seeds - This new and improved version of the tried and true Clemson Spineless variety offers up pain free picking and earlier production. The plants yield more than the previous incarnation and plants have a taller, more open habit. Harvest young for peak tenderness. Organic Productive 3-4" pods 30 seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6-8" apart

Very productive variety with early, bright green pods.
High Mowing Organic Seeds - This new and improved version of the tried and true Clemson Spineless variety offers up pain free picking and earlier production. The plants yield more than the previous incarnation and plants have a taller, more open habit. Harvest young for peak tenderness.
<li>Organic</li>
<li>Productive</li>
<li>3-4" pods</li>
<li>30 seeds</li>
<li>
 
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields.
Direct Seed 2" apart
Plant 1/2" deep
Thin 6-8" apart
</li>

Clemson Spineless 80 Okra, Organic

The Seed Savers Exchange - An All America Selections winner in 1939, was introduced by Clemson University. Still the most popular open-pollinated variety on the market. Vigorous plants grow 3-5' tall. Exceptionally uniform, deep green ribbed and spineless pods are best harvested when 3" long. Excellent quality. 50-64 days. ±500 seeds/oz. Characteristics: Organic Plants grow to 3-5 feet tall Pods are spineless Best harvested when pods are 3 inches long 50-64 days ±500 seeds/oz 100 Seeds per packet This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but does not tolerate cold well Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6-8" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - <meta charset="utf-8">An All America Selections winner in 1939, was introduced by Clemson University. Still the most popular open-pollinated variety on the market. Vigorous plants grow 3-5' tall. Exceptionally uniform, deep green ribbed and spineless pods are best harvested when 3" long. Excellent quality. 50-64 days. ±500 seeds/oz.  
Characteristics: 
<ul>
<li>Organic</li>
<li>Plants grow to 3-5 feet tall</li>
<li>Pods are spineless</li>
<li>Best harvested when pods are 3 inches long</li>
<li>50-64 days</li>
<li>±500 seeds/oz</li>
<li>100 Seeds per packet </li>
</ul>
<meta charset="utf-8">This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but does not tolerate cold well
Instructions - <meta charset="utf-8">Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. 
Direct Seed 2" apart
Plant 1/2" deep
Thin 6-8" apart
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Clemson Spineless Okra, 1939 Heirloom, Organic

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange 50 days. Spineless variety from India averages 5½ ft. tall. Pods up to 8 in. long, pods remain tender for a long period. The Kerr Center named it the easiest variety to harvest (thanks to unbranched plants) in their trial of 30 heirloom varieties. Characteristics: Organic Plants grow to 4 feet tall Pods are deep burgundy Pods grow to 6 inches long 50 days 4g, 80- 100 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6-8" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
<meta charset="UTF-8">
50 days. Spineless variety from India averages 5½ ft. tall. Pods up to 8 in. long, pods remain tender for a long period. The Kerr Center named it the easiest variety to harvest (thanks to unbranched plants) in their trial of 30 heirloom varieties.
Characteristics: 
<li>Organic</li>
<li>Plants grow to 4 feet tall</li>
<li>Pods are deep burgundy</li>
<li>Pods grow to 6 inches long</li>
<li>50 days</li>
<li>4g, 80- 100 Seeds per packet </li>
 
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields.
Direct Seed 2" apart
Plant 1/2" deep
Thin 6-8" apart
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Evertender Okra, Organic

🤠 Hill Country Okra: A Texas Heritage Heirloom The Hill Country Okra or Hill Country Red is a legendary "South Texas" heirloom that captures the rugged spirit and rich agricultural history of the Texas Hill Country. Unlike the uniform, slender pods found in modern supermarkets, this variety is a window into the past, offering a robust shape and a flavor profile that has been cherished by Southern families for generations. 📜 History & Heritage The story of Hill Country is a classic example of "pass-along" seed history: Regional Origins: This variety originated in the Texas Hill Country, the rocky, sun-drenched region surrounding Austin and San Antonio. It was a local staple long before it reached commercial catalogs, saved and traded by home gardeners who needed a variety that could withstand the punishing Texas heat. The Catalog Debut: Hill Country Red was first introduced to the national gardening public in 1989. It made its official debut in the catalog of the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (SESE). The "Heavy" Okra Tradition: Historically, it belongs to a group of "heavy" or "blunt" okra varieties favored in the South for their high meat-to-seed ratio and their ability to stay tender even when the pods grow slightly larger. ✨ Key Features Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: A stable, non-hybrid variety that grows "true to seed." Rugged Beauty: Features thick, bronze-red pods and deep burgundy stems. The flowers are stunning, creamy-yellow blooms with a dark red center (a relative of the Hibiscus). Extreme Heat Tolerance: This variety was "born and bred" in the Texas heat, making it one of the most drought-tolerant and heat-resilient okra varieties available today. 🌶️ Flavor & Texture Profile Hill Country Red is prized by culinary historians for its "old-fashioned" okra taste. Attribute Description Pod Shape Short, thick, and blunt (very distinctive) Color Light green with a heavy maroon/bronze blush Flavor Deeply savory, nutty, and more complex than "Clemson Spineless" Texture Fleshy and thick-walled; stays tender up to 3 inches 🍴 Culinary Inspiration The "wide-body" shape of these pods makes them a favorite for specific traditional preparations: "Texas Coins": The wide diameter is perfect for slicing into thick rounds (coins) for frying in cornmeal. Pickling: Its unique bronze color remains attractive in the jar, and the blunt shape allows it to fit perfectly in pint or quart jars. Grilling: Because the pods are thick-walled, they don't shrivel as quickly on a hot grill, making them ideal for charred okra appetizers. 🪴 Growing Information Days to Maturity: 60–70 days. Plant Height: Reaches 4–6 feet; a sturdy, bush-like habit that resists lodging (falling over). Harvesting: Best picked at 2 to 2.5 inches for peak tenderness. Sun Requirements: Full Sun (The hotter the better). "Hill Country Red is more than a plant; it is a piece of Texas history. By growing this variety, you are helping to preserve a lineage that has survived over a century of scorching Southern summers." Bring home a piece of the Hill Country.Whether you value it for its historical significance, its ornamental beauty, or its unmatched fried flavor, the Hill Country Red Okra is a must-have for any heirloom enthusiast.

<h2 id="🤠 Hill Country Red Okra: A Texas Heritage Heirloom" data-line="4">🤠 Hill Country Okra: A Texas Heritage Heirloom</h2>
The Hill Country Okra or Hill Country Red is a legendary "South Texas" heirloom that captures the rugged spirit and rich agricultural history of the Texas Hill Country. Unlike the uniform, slender pods found in modern supermarkets, this variety is a window into the past, offering a robust shape and a flavor profile that has been cherished by Southern families for generations.
<hr data-line="8">
<h3 id="📜 History &amp; Heritage" data-line="10">📜 History &amp; Heritage</h3>
The story of Hill Country is a classic example of "pass-along" seed history:
<ul data-line="13">
<li data-line="13">
Regional Origins: This variety originated in the Texas Hill Country, the rocky, sun-drenched region surrounding Austin and San Antonio. It was a local staple long before it reached commercial catalogs, saved and traded by home gardeners who needed a variety that could withstand the punishing Texas heat.</li>
<li data-line="14">
The Catalog Debut: Hill Country Red was first introduced to the national gardening public in 1989. It made its official debut in the catalog of the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (SESE).</li>
<li data-line="15">
The "Heavy" Okra Tradition: Historically, it belongs to a group of "heavy" or "blunt" okra varieties favored in the South for their high meat-to-seed ratio and their ability to stay tender even when the pods grow slightly larger.</li>
</ul>
<hr data-line="17">
<h3 id="✨ Key Features" data-line="19">✨ Key Features</h3>
<ul data-line="20">
<li data-line="20">
Heirloom &amp; Open-Pollinated: A stable, non-hybrid variety that grows "true to seed."</li>
<li data-line="21">
Rugged Beauty: Features thick, bronze-red pods and deep burgundy stems. The flowers are stunning, creamy-yellow blooms with a dark red center (a relative of the Hibiscus).</li>
<li data-line="22">
Extreme Heat Tolerance: This variety was "born and bred" in the Texas heat, making it one of the most drought-tolerant and heat-resilient okra varieties available today.</li>
</ul>
<hr data-line="24">
<h3 id="🌶️ Flavor &amp; Texture Profile" data-line="26">🌶️ Flavor &amp; Texture Profile</h3>
Hill Country Red is prized by culinary historians for its "old-fashioned" okra taste.
<table data-line="29">
<thead data-line="29">
<tr data-line="29">
<th>Attribute</th>
<th>Description</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody data-line="31">
<tr data-line="31">
<td>Pod Shape</td>
<td>Short, thick, and blunt (very distinctive)</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="32">
<td>Color</td>
<td>Light green with a heavy maroon/bronze blush</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="33">
<td>Flavor</td>
<td>Deeply savory, nutty, and more complex than "Clemson Spineless"</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="34">
<td>Texture</td>
<td>Fleshy and thick-walled; stays tender up to 3 inches</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<hr data-line="36">
<h3 id="🍴 Culinary Inspiration" data-line="38">🍴 Culinary Inspiration</h3>
The "wide-body" shape of these pods makes them a favorite for specific traditional preparations:
<ol data-line="41">
<li data-line="41">
"Texas Coins": The wide diameter is perfect for slicing into thick rounds (coins) for frying in cornmeal.</li>
<li data-line="42">
Pickling: Its unique bronze color remains attractive in the jar, and the blunt shape allows it to fit perfectly in pint or quart jars.</li>
<li data-line="43">
Grilling: Because the pods are thick-walled, they don't shrivel as quickly on a hot grill, making them ideal for charred okra appetizers.</li>
</ol>
<hr data-line="45">
<h3 id="🪴 Growing Information" data-line="47">🪴 Growing Information</h3>
<ul data-line="48">
<li data-line="48">
Days to Maturity: 60–70 days.</li>
<li data-line="49">
Plant Height: Reaches 4–6 feet; a sturdy, bush-like habit that resists lodging (falling over).</li>
<li data-line="50">
Harvesting: Best picked at 2 to 2.5 inches for peak tenderness.</li>
<li data-line="51">
Sun Requirements: Full Sun (The hotter the better).</li>
</ul>
<hr data-line="53">
<blockquote data-line="55">
"Hill Country Red is more than a plant; it is a piece of Texas history. By growing this variety, you are helping to preserve a lineage that has survived over a century of scorching Southern summers."
</blockquote>
Bring home a piece of the Hill Country. Whether you value it for its historical significance, its ornamental beauty, or its unmatched fried flavor, the Hill Country Red Okra is a must-have for any heirloom enthusiast.

Hill Country Okra, pre-1880's Heirloom

The Seed Savers Exchange - (aka Burgundy) Bred by Leon Robbins at Clemson University after eight years of careful selection. Introduced in 1983; All America Selections winner in 1988. Stunning 4' plant with burgundy accents and tender burgundy pods up to 6" long. Good yields. 55-60 days. ±500 seeds/oz. Characteristics: Organic Plants grow to 4 feet tall Pods are deep burgundy Pods grow to 6 inches long 55-60 days 100 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6-8" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (aka Burgundy) Bred by Leon Robbins at Clemson University after eight years of careful selection. Introduced in 1983; All America Selections winner in 1988. Stunning 4' plant with burgundy accents and tender burgundy pods up to 6" long. Good yields. 55-60 days. ±500 seeds/oz.
Characteristics: 
<li>Organic</li>
<li>Plants grow to 4 feet tall</li>
<li>Pods are deep burgundy</li>
<li>Pods grow to 6 inches long</li>
<li>55-60 days</li>
<li>100 Seeds per packet </li>
 
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields.
Direct Seed 2" apart
Plant 1/2" deep
Thin 6-8" apart
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Red Burgundy Okra, Organic

Seedsavers Exchange- Conventional (100 Seeds)

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Organic (80-100 Seeds)

Sea Island Red Okra - Discover the vibrant, heirloom charm of Sea Island Red Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a stunning variety prized by gardeners for its eye-catching red pods and rich flavor. Perfect for Southern gardens, gourmet cooking, and adding color to your harvest! 🌶️🥬 Summary Pod Characteristics: Slender, 3-4" inch pods are best for harvesting, they start deep red and turn tender green when cooked—mild, less mucilaginous than green varieties. Plant Habits: Tall, vigorous plants (4-6 ft) produce abundantly in hot weather; spineless pods for easy picking. Harvest & Yield: Ready in 50-60 days; continuous harvest through summer encourages more production. Uses: Fresh in salads, pickled, stir-fries, gumbos, or fried—adds unique color and nutty taste. Why Grow It?: Heat-tolerant heirloom that's disease-resistant and visually striking; great for containers or beds. Origin and Historical Details Sea Island Red Okra traces its roots to the Sea Islands off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina, USA. This heirloom variety emerged in the 19th century among Gullah-Geechee communities—descendants of West African enslaved people who preserved African gardening traditions. Historical Notes: Named after the barrier islands' red sandy soils and isolation, which fostered unique seed-saving. Documented in seed catalogs by the early 1800s; popularized by Southern farmers for its productivity in humid, hot climates. Preserved through oral traditions and community exchanges; now celebrated in Slow Food USA's Ark of Taste ❤️for cultural heritage. Believed introduced via African seeds during the transatlantic slave trade, blending with local adaptations. A true piece of Southern Americana, it's making a comeback in modern heirloom gardens. Earliest Confirmed Listing: David Landreth Seed Company Catalog, 1886. Listed as "Sea Island Red Podded Okra". Description: Noted for its red pods, productivity in Southern climates, and origins tied to the Sea Islands of Georgia/South Carolina How to Grow Sea Island Red Okra Thrives in warm-season conditions (soil temps >70°F/21°C). Follow these steps for success: Starting Seeds: Sow directly outdoors after last frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier in peat pots (okra dislikes transplanting). Plant 1 inch deep, 12-18 inches apart in rows 3 ft apart. Site & Soil: Full sun (8+ hours daily). Well-drained, fertile soil (pH 6.0-6.8); amend with compost. Heat-loving: Ideal for USDA zones 7-11; use black plastic mulch for northern gardeners. Care Tips: Water deeply (1 inch/week), especially during flowering; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Fertilize lightly with balanced (10-10-10) at planting; side-dress with nitrogen mid-season. Stake tall plants if windy; pinch tops at 3-4 ft for bushier growth. Pests & Harvest: Watch for aphids/okra worms—use neem oil or hand-pick. Harvest young pods every 2-3 days (wear gloves for potential irritation); cut with shears. Quick Growing Stats Details Days to Maturity 50-60 Plant Height 4-6 ft Spacing 12-18" apart Water Needs Moderate, consistent Companion Plants Peppers, eggplant, basil Yields up to 5-10 pods/plant weekly in peak season. Save seeds from mature pods for next year! Happy gardening—your harvest will be a red-hot success! 🌱

Sea Island Red Okra - Discover the vibrant, heirloom charm of Sea Island Red Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a stunning variety prized by gardeners for its eye-catching red pods and rich flavor. Perfect for Southern gardens, gourmet cooking, and adding color to your harvest! 🌶️🥬
<h3 data-line="12" id="Summary">Summary</h3>
<ul data-line="13">
<li data-line="13">
Pod Characteristics: Slender, 3-4" inch pods are best for harvesting, they start deep red and turn tender green when cooked—mild, less mucilaginous than green varieties.</li>
<li data-line="14">
Plant Habits: Tall, vigorous plants (4-6 ft) produce abundantly in hot weather; spineless pods for easy picking.</li>
<li data-line="15">
Harvest &amp; Yield: Ready in 50-60 days; continuous harvest through summer encourages more production.</li>
<li data-line="16">
Uses: Fresh in salads, pickled, stir-fries, gumbos, or fried—adds unique color and nutty taste.</li>
<li data-line="17">
Why Grow It?: Heat-tolerant heirloom that's disease-resistant and visually striking; great for containers or beds.</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-line="19" id="Origin and Historical Details">Origin and Historical Details</h3>
Sea Island Red Okra traces its roots to the Sea Islands off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina, USA. This heirloom variety emerged in the 19th century among Gullah-Geechee communities—descendants of West African enslaved people who preserved African gardening traditions.
<ul data-line="22">
<li data-line="22">
Historical Notes:
<ul data-line="23">
<li data-line="23">Named after the barrier islands' red sandy soils and isolation, which fostered unique seed-saving.</li>
<li data-line="24">Documented in seed catalogs by the early 1800s; popularized by Southern farmers for its productivity in humid, hot climates.</li>
<li data-line="25">Preserved through oral traditions and community exchanges; now celebrated in Slow Food USA's Ark of Taste ❤️for cultural heritage.</li>
<li data-line="26">Believed introduced via African seeds during the transatlantic slave trade, blending with local adaptations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
A true piece of Southern Americana, it's making a comeback in modern heirloom gardens.
Earliest Confirmed Listing: David Landreth Seed Company Catalog, 1886.
<ul data-line="28">
<li data-line="28">Listed as "Sea Island Red Podded Okra".</li>
<li data-line="29">Description: Noted for its red pods, productivity in Southern climates, and origins tied to the Sea Islands of Georgia/South Carolina</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-line="30" id="How to Grow Sea Island Red Okra">How to Grow Sea Island Red Okra</h3>
Thrives in warm-season conditions (soil temps &gt;70°F/21°C). Follow these steps for success:
<ol data-line="33">
<li data-line="33">
Starting Seeds:
<ul data-line="34">
<li data-line="34">Sow directly outdoors after last frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks earlier in peat pots (okra dislikes transplanting).</li>
<li data-line="35">Plant 1 inch deep, 12-18 inches apart in rows 3 ft apart.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-line="37">
Site &amp; Soil:
<ul data-line="38">
<li data-line="38">
Full sun (8+ hours daily).</li>
<li data-line="39">Well-drained, fertile soil (pH 6.0-6.8); amend with compost.</li>
<li data-line="40">Heat-loving: Ideal for USDA zones 7-11; use black plastic mulch for northern gardeners.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-line="42">
Care Tips:
<ul data-line="43">
<li data-line="43">Water deeply (1 inch/week), especially during flowering; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.</li>
<li data-line="44">Fertilize lightly with balanced (10-10-10) at planting; side-dress with nitrogen mid-season.</li>
<li data-line="45">Stake tall plants if windy; pinch tops at 3-4 ft for bushier growth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-line="47">
Pests &amp; Harvest:
<ul data-line="48">
<li data-line="48">Watch for aphids/okra worms—use neem oil or hand-pick.</li>
<li data-line="49">Harvest young pods every 2-3 days (wear gloves for potential irritation); cut with shears.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<table data-line="51">
<thead data-line="51">
<tr data-line="51">
<th>Quick Growing Stats</th>
<th>Details</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody data-line="53">
<tr data-line="53">
<td>Days to Maturity</td>
<td>50-60</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="54">
<td>Plant Height</td>
<td>4-6 ft</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="55">
<td>Spacing</td>
<td>12-18" apart</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="56">
<td>Water Needs</td>
<td>Moderate, consistent</td>
</tr>
<tr data-line="57">
<td>Companion Plants</td>
<td>Peppers, eggplant, basil</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Yields up to 5-10 pods/plant weekly in peak season. Save seeds from mature pods for next year! Happy gardening—your harvest will be a red-hot success! 🌱

Sea Island Red Okra, 1800's Heirloom Seeds

Firefly 4g

Firefly 1oz

The Seed Savers Exchange - The straight, green, downy pods of this variety are intermediate in length and width and are best eaten when under 5" long. Seed Savers Exchange member Dr. James Wolfe received the variety from the Simpson family of Rogersville, Tennessee. D.V. (Simpson) Thomas remembers her mother, Nora, growing this okra as far back as the early 1940s. 50-70 days. Characteristics: Organic Harvest as early as 50 days 100 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6-8" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - <meta charset="utf-8">The straight, green, downy pods of this variety are intermediate in length and width and are best eaten when under 5" long. Seed Savers Exchange member Dr. James Wolfe received the variety from the Simpson family of Rogersville, Tennessee. D.V. (Simpson) Thomas remembers her mother, Nora, growing this okra as far back as the early 1940s. 50-70 days.  
Characteristics: 
<ul>
<li>Organic</li>
<li>Harvest as early as 50 days</li>
<li>100 Seeds per packet </li>
</ul>
Instructions - <meta charset="utf-8">Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. 
Direct Seed 2" apart
Plant 1/2" deep
Thin 6-8" apart
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Simpson Okra, 1940s Heirloom, Organic

The Seed Savers Exchange - (aka Old Fashioned Okra) Tall 7' plants have purple coloration on leaves and thick pods that are best picked at about 3" long. Cross-sections of pods look like the Star of David, giving this variety its name. Like many okra varieties, this plant bears beautiful flowers and foliage that could warrant a place in the ornamental border. 60-75 days. Characteristics: Plants grow to 7 feet tall Plants have purple coloration on leaves Best harvested when pods are 3 inches long 60-75 days 100 Seeds per packet This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but does not tolerate cold well. Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6-8" apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - <meta charset="utf-8">(aka Old Fashioned Okra) Tall 7' plants have purple coloration on leaves and thick pods that are best picked at about 3" long. Cross-sections of pods look like the Star of David, giving this variety its name. Like many okra varieties, this plant bears beautiful flowers and foliage that could warrant a place in the ornamental border. 60-75 days.  
Characteristics: 
<ul>
<li>Plants grow to 7 feet tall</li>
<li>Plants have purple coloration on leaves</li>
<li>Best harvested when pods are 3 inches long</li>
<li>60-75 days</li>
<li>100 Seeds per packet </li>
</ul>
<meta charset="utf-8">This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but does not tolerate cold well.
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields.
Direct Seed 2" apart
Plant 1/2" deep
Thin 6-8" apart
<meta charset="utf-8">Light: Full Sun
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Star of David Okra

This beloved one is a week out from arriving - it has by far been a fan favorite thus year. We have plenty more coming but it’s going to be slightly delayed. The Seed Savers Exchange - One of the unique varieties in SSE’s okra collection. Ivory-green pods grow to 7" long on vigorous 6' tall plants. Tender when young, delicious flavor. Great producer at Heritage Farm. 80 days. ±480 seeds/oz. Characteristics: Plants grow to 6 feet tall Ivory pods grow to 7 inches long Best harvested when pods are young 80days ±480 seeds/oz 100 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6-8" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

This beloved one is a week out from arriving - it has by far been a fan favorite thus year. We have plenty more coming but it’s going to be slightly delayed.
The Seed Savers Exchange -
<meta charset="utf-8">
One of the unique varieties in SSE’s okra collection. Ivory-green pods grow to 7" long on vigorous 6' tall plants. Tender when young, delicious flavor. Great producer at Heritage Farm. 80 days. ±480 seeds/oz. 
Characteristics: 
<ul>
<li>Plants grow to 6 feet tall</li>
<li>Ivory pods grow to 7 inches long</li>
<li>Best harvested when pods are young</li>
<li>80days</li>
<li>±480 seeds/oz</li>
<li>100 Seeds per packet </li>
</ul>
Instructions -
<meta charset="utf-8">
Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields. 
Direct Seed 2" apart
Plant 1/2" deep
Thin 6-8" apart
Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Silver Queen Okra

Okra

Wrap the items in a beautiful gift wrap for maximum surprise!

Gift Wrap

Our mailing address is Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile 27960 Market Rd, Cashtonm WI 54619 and our phone number is 608-632-5914

CONTACT INFORMATION

Privacy policy
<ol>
<li>Introduction.</li>
<ol>
<li>Web Site Owner.&nbsp;Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile (referred to herein as either “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is the owner of this website (the “Site”). We can be contacted by mail at Firefly Farm &amp; Mercantile, LLC, 27960 Market Rd, Cashton, WI 54619 or by e-mail at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:andre@fireflyfarmandmercantile.com">andre@fireflyfarmandmercantile.com</a>. This online privacy notice discloses the Company’s information practices for this Site, including what type of personal identifiable information is requested in order to make a purchase, how the information is used, and with whom the information is shared.</li>
<li>Web Site Visits.&nbsp;In general, you can visit on the Site without revealing any personal information. We may keep track of the domains from which people visit us, in which case we would analyze the data gathered from the site visits for trends and statistics, and then we would discard the gathered data.</li>
<li>Web Site Transactions.&nbsp;At times, the Company will need personal information regarding a customer or a prospect. For example, to process an order or provide a subscription, we may need to know a customer's name, mailing address, e-mail address and credit card details. It is our intent to inform you now before we collect personal information, such as user's name and/or address on the Internet. If you tell us that you do not wish to have this information used as a basis for further contact with you, we will respect your wishes.</li>
</ol>
<li>Personal Information That May Be Collected.</li>
<ol>
<li>Identifying Information.&nbsp;In order to make a purchase, the Company will request a user to provide certain personal identifying information, which may include: name, postal address, e-mail address, telephone number, facsimile number, method of payment, and, if applicable, credit card number. We may request additional information necessary to establish and maintain customer's account.</li>
<li>Service Quality Monitoring.&nbsp;Some transactions on the Site may require a customer to telephone the Company, or the Company to call the customer. We will not contact you by telephone without your prior consent, except to confirm an order placed online and/or to inform a customer of the status of such order. Customer should be aware that it is our practice to monitor, and in some cases record such calls for staff training or quality assurance purposes.</li>
<li>Information from Children.&nbsp;The Company does not sell products or services for purchase by children, and will not collect or post information from a child under the age of 18 without the involvement of a parent or guardian. The Company does not use personally identifying information collected from children for marketing or promotional purposes, and does not disclose such information to any third party for any purpose whatsoever.</li>
<li>Lost or Stolen Information.&nbsp;If a customer's password is lost or stolen, the customer should promptly notify the Company in order to enable us to cancel the lost or stolen information and to update its records with a changed password. We do not have access for credit cards used for transactions as they are on a secured platform hosted by Shopify.</li>
<li>Chat Rooms, Forums and Bulletin Boards.&nbsp;If customer participates in a Company chat room, discussion forum, or posts messages to a Company bulletin board, customer should be aware that the information disclosed and shared will be broadly available to other persons, both inside of and/or outside the Company, who have access to that chat room, forum or bulletin board. Some individual Company chat rooms, forums or bulletin boards have additional rules and conditions regarding participation. Also, participant's expressed opinion is his or her own and should not be considered as reflecting the opinion of the Company.</li>
<li>Links to Other Websites.&nbsp;Our Site may contain links to other web sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of those other websites.</li>
</ol>
<li>Uses Made of the Information.</li>
<ol>
<li>Limited Uses Identified.&nbsp;Without customer's prior consent, the Company will not use your personal identifiable information for any purpose other than that for which it is submitted. We use personal identifiable information to reply to inquiries, handle complaints, provide operational notices and in program record-keeping. We also process billing and business requests related to Site participation.</li>
<li>Marketing Uses.&nbsp;Unless customer marks an "x" on the opt-out option box herein provided, the Company reserves the right to provide customer via email with information about the Site, our products and services, and related information in which customer has indicated an interest. Through our agents we will market to current and potential customers through Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Email.</li>
<li>Stored Information Uses.&nbsp;The Company stores and retains the information provided by customers. This information is used to compile a customer’s purchase history in order to enable us to recommend products, services, or special offers that would be of interest to a customer. Stored information is also used by us and/or our agents: to support customer interaction with the Site; to deliver customer purchases; and/or to contact customer again about our other services and products.</li>
<li>Online Advertising.&nbsp;Some companies that help the Company deliver interactive on-line advertising, such as banner ads, may collect and use information about our customers to help us better understand the types of advertising or promotions that are most appealing to our customers. After it is collected the information is aggregated so it is not identifiable to a specific individual.</li>
</ol>
<li>Disclosure of the Information.</li>
<ol>
<li>Within Corporate Organization.&nbsp;The Company works with other companies, including manufacturers and shippers from around the world. We may share your personal information within our corporate organization and with our manufacturers and shippers, and may transfer the information to countries in the world where we conduct business. Some countries may provide less legal protection for customer personal information. In such countries we will still handle customer personal information in the manner describe herein.</li>
<li>Mergers and Acquisitions.&nbsp;Circumstances may arise where for business reasons, we decide to sell, buy, merge or otherwise reorganize its businesses in the United States or some other country. Such a transaction may involve the disclosure of personal identifying information to prospective or actual purchasers, and/or receiving such information from sellers. It is our practice to seek appropriate protection for information in these types of transactions.</li>
<li>Agents.&nbsp;The Company employs or engages other companies and individuals to perform business functions on our behalf. These persons are provided with personal identifying information required to perform their functions, but are prohibited by contract from using the information for other purposes. These persons engage in a variety of functions which include, but are not limited to, fulfilling orders, delivering packages, removing repetitive information from customer lists, analyzing data, providing marketing assistance, processing credit card payments and providing customer services.</li>
<li>Affiliated Businesses.&nbsp;The Company works closely with affiliated businesses operating web site stores, providing services or selling products on each other's websites. These businesses identify themselves to customers. Customer information related to a transaction with an affiliated business is shared with that affiliated business.</li>
<li>Marketing Analysis by Third Parties.&nbsp;The Company reserves the right to disclose to third parties personal information about customers for marketing analysis; however, any information disclosed will be in the form of aggregate data that does not describe or identify an individual customer.</li>
<li>Disclosure to Governmental Authorities.&nbsp;Under certain circumstances, personal information may be subject to disclosure pursuant to a judicial or other government subpoenas, warrants or orders.</li>
</ol>
<li>Use of Computer Tracking Technologies.</li>
<ol>
<li>No Tracking of Personal Information.&nbsp;The Site is not set up to track, collect or distribute personal information not entered by visitors. Through the Site access logs we do collect clickstream data and HTTP protocol elements, which generate certain kinds of non-identifying Site usage data, such as the number of hits and visits to our Site. This information is used for internal purposes by technical support staff for research and development, user analysis and business decision making, all of which provides better services to the public. The statistics garnered, which contain no personal information and cannot be used to gather such information, may also be provided to third parties.</li>
<li>Use of Cookies.&nbsp;The Company, or its third party vendors, collects non-identifiable and personal information through the use of various technologies, including "cookies". A cookie is an alphanumeric identifier that a website can transfer to customer's hard drive through customer's browser. The cookie is then stored on customer's computer as an anonymous tag that identifies the customer's computer, but not the customer. Cookies may be sent by the Company or its third party vendors. Customer can set its browser to notify customer before a cookie is received, giving an opportunity to decide whether to accept the cookie. Customer may also set its browser to turn off cookies; however, some websites may not then work properly.</li>
<li>Use of Web Technologies.&nbsp;The Company may also use web beacons or other&nbsp;&nbsp;technologies to better tailor the Site to provide better customer service. If these beacons or technologies are in use, when a visitor accesses these pages of the Site, a non-identifiable notice of that visit is generated which may be processed by Company or by its suppliers. Web beacons usually work in conjunction with cookies. If customer does not want cookie information to be associated with customer's visits to these pages, customer can set its browser to turn off cookies; however, web beacon and other technologies will still detect visits to these pages, but the notices they generate cannot be associated with other non-identifiable cookie information and are disregarded.</li>
<li>Collection of Non-Identifiable Information.&nbsp;The Company may collect non-identifiable information from user visits to the Site in order to provide better customer service. Examples of such collecting include: traffic analysis, such as tracking of the domains from which users visit, or tracking numbers of visitors; measuring visitor activity on the Site; website and system administration; user analysis; and business decision making. Such information is sometimes known as "clickstream data." We or our contractors may use this data to analyze trends and statistics.</li>
<li>Collection of Personal Information.&nbsp;The Company collects personal identifying information from customer during a transaction. We may extract some personally identifying information about that transaction in a non-identifiable format and combine it with other non-identifiable information, such as clickstream data. This information is used and analyzed only at an aggregate level (not at an individual level) to help us understand trends and patterns. This information is not reviewed at an individual level.</li>
</ol>
<li>Information Security.</li>
<ol>
<li>No Liability for Acts of Third Parties.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Company will exercise all reasonable efforts to safeguard the confidentiality of customer personal information. However, transmissions protected by industry standard security technology and implemented by human beings cannot be made absolutely secure. Consequently, we shall not be liable for unauthorized disclosure of personal information due to no fault of the Company including, but not limited to, errors in transmission and unauthorized acts of our employees, independent contractors or other third parties.</li>
</ol>
<li>Privacy Policy Changes and Opt-Out Rights.</li>
<ol>
<li>Changes to Privacy Policy.&nbsp;This privacy notice was last updated on the date set forth at the end of the policy. The Company reserves the right to change or update our privacy policy statement at any time by posting the modified policy. Any such modifications shall be effective immediately. You can view the most recent version of these terms at any time at Fireflyfarmandmercantile.com. Each use by you shall constitute and be deemed your unconditional acceptance of this Agreement, unless you have clicked the “x” on the opt-out option box herein.</li>
<li>Opt-Out Right.&nbsp;Customer and/or prospective customer has the right at any time to cease permitting personal information to be collected, used or disclosed by the Company and/or by any third parties with whom we have shared and/or transferred such personal information. Right of cancellation may be exercised by contacting us via e-mail, telephone or certified mail. After processing the cancellation, we will delete customer or prospective customer's personal information from its data base.</li>
</ol>
<li>Access Rights to Data.</li>
<ol>
<li>Information Maintained by Us.&nbsp;Upon customer's request, the Company will provide a reasonable description of customer's personally identifiable information that we maintain in our data bank. The Company can be contacted by e-mail at&nbsp;andre@fireflyfarmandmercantile.com or 27960 Market Rd, Cashton, WI 54619.</li>
<li>Corrections and Changes to Personal Information.&nbsp;Help us to keep customer personal information accurate. If customer's personal information changes, or if customer notes an error upon review of customer information that we have on file, please promptly e-mail us at&nbsp;[Email address]&nbsp;and provide the new or correct information.</li>
</ol>
<li>Accountability.</li>
<ol>
<li>Questions, Problems and Complaints.&nbsp;If you have a question about this policy statement, or a complaint about the Company’s compliance with this privacy policy, you may contact us by e-mail&nbsp;andre@fireflyfarmandmercantile.com</li>
<li>Terms of Use.&nbsp;If customer chooses make a purchase of goods or services from the Company via the Site, customer's action is hereby deemed acceptance of the Company’s practices described in this policy statement. Any dispute over privacy between customer and the Company is subject to the provisions of this notice and to our Website Terms of Use and our Terms and Conditions of Online Sales each of which is hereby incorporated herein and which can be found on our home page at&nbsp;Fireflyfarmandmercantile.com.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
</ol>
&nbsp;

PRIVACY POLICY

If for any reason you are not happy with a purchase, please email us at andre@fireflyfarmandmercantile.com so we can assist.&nbsp; We do provide refunds up to 10 days of you receiving merchandise. We may ask for the product to be returned to be eligible for a refund. We do not do refunds for shipping unless it is something we feel we could have done better. Carriers often don’t deliver based on their own timelines but you can always pick up at our garden shop too. Unlike most online garden retailers we have a business location too, so come in out and visit our farm.

REFUND POLICY

Sometimes the products purchased may weigh more or less than the calculated shipping rate. We try our best to determine the weights based on current and past inventory.&nbsp; We do provide refunds proactively and will communicate accordingly. And in some instances we may need to contact you for additional payment if the shipping warrants it.&nbsp;
We try our best to offer the right services for you at checkout. If we see an opportunity for a more desirable service we will reach out to you. Please ensure we have a good contact number or email&nbsp; so we can do so.&nbsp;
United States Postal Service and UPS services go out Monday through Friday. This allows us to ensure we provide a quality product at a reasonable rate. Any delivery times are just estimates from the carrier once they receive the package. We cannot change this due to Shopify’s policy. I would if I could as it can lead to some confusion. We are a small garden shop and have very little pull with any carrier (and seriously who really does with USPS or any other). For the most part UPS timelines have been the most consistent. But there are not delivery dates but days your package will be in transit once we drop it off. In average we take 1-4 business days to fulfill orders and then the carrier’s approximate shipping times are added to that.&nbsp;

SHIPPING POLICY

We accept various forms for payment. Currently we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express as well as Google Pay and Shop Pay.
We strive to deliver on what we say we are going to do. Pre-orders are orders that are being taken without inventory on hand. The advantage is you get a great price, but sometimes crops just don't yield what is expected. We will use many different suppliers to fulfill your orders as best as possible. We won't substitute without your permission so please make sure you leave your best contact information so we can reach out to you. On occasion if unable to reach you, we will simply send the substitute product but you are welcome to call us once receiving it and letting us know you’d like a refund on it.

Okra

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