Native to Ethiopia, okra is the only member of the mallow family (which includes cotton, hibiscus and hollyhock) to bear edible fruit. Generally speaking, okra pods are green and a staple of many a southern diet. A relative newcomer, Red Burgundy okra was introduced in 1983, becoming the All-America Selections winner in 1988. There are also other red varieties of okra that include ‘Red Velvet’ and the dwarf red okra “Little Lucy.” So back to the question “is red okra edible?” Yes. In fact, there really isn’t much difference between red okra and green okra other than the color. And when red okra is cooked, alas, it loses its red hue and the pods turn green. Start plants inside 4-6 weeks before the last frost date for your area or directly outside 2-4 weeks after the last expected frost. Okra seeds can be hard to get to germinate. To facilitate the process, either gently crack the outer coating with nail clippers or soak them in water overnight. Germination should take place in 2-12 days. Space seeds 2 inches apart in rich soil, and about ½ inch deep. Be sure to amend the soil with plenty of compost since okra is a heavy feeder.
