Variety field guide
What to expect from Old Fashioned (Star of David) Okra Seeds
Old Fashioned, also known as Star of David, bears thick green pods with star-shaped slices.
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Old Fashioned, also known as Star of David, is a tall okra with broad, thick green pods that reveal a star-shaped outline when sliced. The tender young pods bring body to gumbo and stews, and are useful fried, grilled or pickled. Its sturdy plants can show purple coloring in the foliage, adding interest beside the pale flowers. Pick regularly while pods are small to enjoy their best texture and keep new harvests coming.
Minimum seeds per packet: 75 seeds.
Thick, star-shaped slices from a generous summer okra.
Growing facts
- Botanical name: Abelmoschus esculentus
- Life cycle: Warm-season annual; open-pollinated
- First harvest: About 60-75 days from direct sowing to first tender pods
- Mature size: Tall upright plants, up to about 7 ft.
- Spacing: 18-24 in.; rows 3 ft.
- Packet quantity: Approximately 75 seeds
About the variety
Our Old Fashioned Okra is the variety also known as Star of David. This open-pollinated heirloom is recognized by its broad, deeply ribbed green pods, whose cut faces reveal the star-like shape behind the name. Tall plants can carry purple coloring in their foliage. The young pods are the eating crop; those reserved for seed stay on the plant until fully mature and dry.
Starting seed
Soak seed overnight. Direct sow after frost, 1 in. deep in warm soil. At 75-90 F allow 5-10 days. Thin to 18-24 in. apart, rows 3 ft. apart. Give full sun and fertile, well-drained soil; water well during flowering and pod growth.
Care through the season
Give tall plants an accessible picking path and keep weeds down while seedlings are small. Water during dry spells, especially through flowering and pod growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen that encourages leaves at the expense of pods. Harvest every day or two once production begins, removing overgrown pods so the plant continues flowering.
Harvest and use
Check for tender pods about 60-75 days from sowing; pick near 3 in. long, before fibers toughen. Wear gloves and cut stems; use promptly or freeze. For seed, isolate other okras and let selected pods brown and dry fully.
Saving seed
Keep selected pods on healthy plants until brown and dry, far beyond the edible stage. Okra can cross through insect visits; isolate varieties or control pollination. Shell fully mature seeds, finish drying and store cool and dry.
Common problems
Cold wet soil delays emergence and promotes rot. Check pods while small; toughness cannot be reversed by waiting. Watch for aphids, stink bugs and root-knot nematodes, and rotate plantings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Old Fashioned the same as Star of David?
Yes. The Old Fashioned Okra we sell is also known as Star of David, named for its star-shaped pod cross section.
When should I pick the pods?
Check for tender pods about 60-75 days from sowing; pick near 3 in. long, before fibers toughen. Wear gloves and cut stems; use promptly or freeze. For seed, isolate other okras and let selected pods brown and dry fully.
How tall does it grow?
Plants can reach about 7 ft. in favorable warm conditions. Give them room and keep a clear path for frequent picking.
Can I save seed?
Keep selected pods on healthy plants until brown and dry, far beyond the edible stage. Okra can cross through insect visits; isolate varieties or control pollination. Shell fully mature seeds, finish drying and store cool and dry.
