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Guaranteed to Grow
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Angola Prison Okra

Quick Facts:

  • Grown at the Angola Prison Farm
  • Short-statured plants
  • Tender, green pods
  • Best picked at 4-5" in length
  • 60-70 days to maturity

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✓ Plant with Confidence—Guaranteed Through 2027

Quantity: Packet (50 Seeds)

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We ship to the United States, its territories and outlying islands. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt. Full warranty information can be found here.

We guarantee our seed to be fresh, vigorous, untreated, and true to variety.

Each packet is guaranteed through the year printed on the packet, plus one full additional growing year.

If your seeds fail to germinate, arrive damaged, or do not grow true to type, please contact us and we will make it right through replacement seed, store credit, or refund when appropriate.

Full warranty policy here.

Angola Prison

More about Angola Prison

Abelmoschus esculentus

Angola Prison Okra is an open-pollinated heirloom variety historically grown on the Angola Prison Farm in Louisiana. Unlike many heirloom vegetables that are remembered for family gardens or local farming traditions, this variety is tied to a more difficult chapter of American agricultural history.

The variety takes its name from the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, a 28-square-mile prison farm established on the site of a former plantation. For more than a century, inmates cultivated thousands of acres of crops including corn, tomatoes, squash, and okra. The prison farm remains one of the most self-sufficient correctional facilities in the United States, though its labor practices ... More

Less

Abelmoschus esculentus

Angola Prison Okra is an open-pollinated heirloom variety historically grown on the Angola Prison Farm in Louisiana. Unlike many heirloom vegetables that are remembered for family gardens or local farming traditions, this variety is tied to a more difficult chapter of American agricultural history.

The variety takes its name from the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, a 28-square-mile prison farm established on the site of a former plantation. For more than a century, inmates cultivated thousands of acres of crops including corn, tomatoes, squash, and okra. The prison farm remains one of the most self-sufficient correctional facilities in the United States, though its labor practices have long been the subject of public debate. Seed saver John Coykendall noted that he was told this variety was favored because the plants remained relatively short, allowing guards to more easily monitor prisoners working in the fields. Whether viewed as an agricultural heirloom or a historical artifact, Angola Prison Okra serves as a reminder that not all heirloom seeds come with a charming story. We preserve and offer this variety not as an endorsement of that history, but because preserving heirlooms also means preserving the lessons and stories that accompany them.

Plants typically reach about 5 feet in height and produce abundant yields of ribbed green pods. The tender pods are best harvested at 4 to 5 inches long and are excellent for frying, pickling, gumbo, and other Southern dishes. A productive, heat-tolerant variety that continues bearing until frost. Matures in 60–70 days. Each packet contains a minimum of 50 seeds.

Abelmoschus esculentus

Angola Prison Okra is an open-pollinated heirloom variety historically grown on the Angola Prison Farm in Louisiana. Unlike many heirloom vegetables that are remembered for family gardens or local farming traditions, this variety is tied to a more difficult chapter of American agricultural history.

The variety takes its name from the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, a 28-square-mile prison farm established on the site of a former plantat... read more

read less

Abelmoschus esculentus

Angola Prison Okra is an open-pollinated heirloom variety historically grown on the Angola Prison Farm in Louisiana. Unlike many heirloom vegetables that are remembered for family gardens or local farming traditions, this variety is tied to a more difficult chapter of American agricultural history.

The variety takes its name from the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, a 28-square-mile prison farm established on the site of a former plantation. For more than a century, inmates cultivated thousands of acres of crops including corn, tomatoes, squash, and okra. The prison farm remains one of the most self-sufficient correctional facilities in the United States, though its labor practices have long been the subject of public debate. Seed saver John Coykendall noted that he was told this variety was favored because the plants remained relatively short, allowing guards to more easily monitor prisoners working in the fields. Whether viewed as an agricultural heirloom or a historical artifact, Angola Prison Okra serves as a reminder that not all heirloom seeds come with a charming story. We preserve and offer this variety not as an endorsement of that history, but because preserving heirlooms also means preserving the lessons and stories that accompany them.

Plants typically reach about 5 feet in height and produce abundant yields of ribbed green pods. The tender pods are best harvested at 4 to 5 inches long and are excellent for frying, pickling, gumbo, and other Southern dishes. A productive, heat-tolerant variety that continues bearing until frost. Matures in 60–70 days. Each packet contains a minimum of 50 seeds.

Little Girl planting seeds
Little girl planting seeds

How to Grow Okra

Okra requires well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It prefers full sun exposure and requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant is heat-loving and grows best in areas with warm temperatures. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and regular fertilization can help promote healthy growth. The plant is also drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of low rainfall.

After danger of frost has passed and soil temps have reached approx. 70 degrees, sow seeds ½” deep, 2” apart in rows 3’ apart. Once germination has occurred, thin to one plant every 12-18”. Alternatively, plants may be started indoors 5 weeks before the last frost.

To transplant okra, start by selecting a well-draining and fertile planting site with full sun exposure. When the seedlings reach 4-6 inches in height, transplant them into the garden, spacing them 12-18 inches apart and 1-2 inches deep. Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots establish.

Insect Pests

Although not commonly a problem, okra can be affected by a variety of insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, stink bugs, and bollworms. Regular monitoring and control measures such as insecticidal soap, neem oil, or row covers can help prevent and manage infestations.

Diseases & Other Problems

Okra can be affected by a range of diseases, including powdery mildew, bacterial blight, and root rot. These diseases can cause leaf spotting, yellowing, and stem and root decay. Proper cultural practices, such as providing good air circulation and maintaining proper soil moisture levels, can help prevent and manage these issues.

While each variety of okra differs in its ideal harvest size, all varieties of okra will eventually get tough if let on the plant long enough. To check to see if a pod is still tender enough to be harvested, try snapping the tip off the blossom end of the pod. If it comes off easily, the pod is still good. Since okra matures from the stem base out, it can be assumed that any pods located above your test pod will be tender. Harvesting should be done every 1-2 days to encourage continued production. Okra should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container for up to 5 days. Alternatively, it can be blanched for 3 minutes, cooled, and then frozen for long-term storage.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Okra is a self-pollinating plant with flowers containing both male and female organs, however the large, open flowers produce copious amounts of pollen and are very attractive to bees so outcrossing is likely if two or more varieties are flowering in close proximity. To ensure varietal purity, isolate by one mile or cage whole plants or flowers to prevent visits by pollinators.

HARVESTING SEED:

To harvest seeds, allow the pods to dry completely. Most okra pods will begin to split when the seed inside is fully mature, however they don't shatter easily. Watch for the pods to begin to separate along the ribs. Cut pods from the plant with pruning shears. Using gloved hands, squeeze the pods to open the furrows encasing the round, blackish-green seeds. Winnow to remove any debris and store in an airtight container.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Okra seed will remain viable for five years when stored under ideal conditions.

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