Organic 'Cajun Jewel' Okra
Organic 'Cajun Jewel' okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) from the seed company Gaia, an early-maturing dwarf okra, flavorful and perfectly suited to cool climates
'Cajun Jewel' okra is a heritage variety prized for its ability to adapt well to cooler climates , making it an excellent choice for northeastern gardeners. Compact yet vigorous, this thornless dwarf okra grows to 120–150 cm (4–5′) and produces tender, flavorful, uniform 7″ pods very early in the season. Resilient, drought-tolerant, and highly productive when harvested frequently, it offers excellent culinary quality in a wide range of dishes.
Companion plants : Lettuce, Peas, Radish, Pepper, Tomato, Bean, Sunflower, Basil, Melon, Eggplant, Cucumber
Nefarious plants : Rhubarb, Garlic
Spread/Habit : Dwarf, compact, thornless
Plant height : 120 to 150 cm (4–5′)
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Very early, dwarf, tender, adapted to cool climates, 7" pods, thornless, edible flowers
Leaf color : Deep green
Texture/flavor : Tender, sweet, excellent for frying, stir-fries, marinades
Cold tolerance : Average for okra, but not hardy
Farming method
Soak the seeds for a maximum of 12 hours in lukewarm water for optimal germination. Start the seedlings indoors 6 weeks before transplanting , handling the young plants carefully as the roots are fragile .
Sow or transplant after all risk of frost , at a depth of 1.25 cm .
Place in full sun (level 3) and water regularly (level 2) to maximize production, although this variety tolerates drought well .
Space the plants 45 to 60 cm apart, with 90 cm between rows. Germination takes 2 to 12 days at temperatures between 18 and 32 °C (optimum 21 °C).
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest every 2–3 days to encourage strong, continuous production. Pods should be harvested young, when they measure approximately 7″ , for optimal taste and texture.
Store okra for 7 to 10 days in a ventilated container at 7–10 °C .
Usage ideas
• Deep -fried Cajun style or tempura
• In Creole dishes , stews and soups
• In a marinade
• In quick stir-fries or curries
• As a decoration thanks to its edible flowers
' Cajun Jewel' okra is a robust, early, tender variety perfectly suited to northern gardens , ideal for gardeners looking for a reliable and tasty okra.
