Bamyeh Falastinia Okra

A delicious and low maintenance heirloom variety that can be traced back to Palestine where it is known as Bamyeh. It is the main ingredient in a popular Palestinian stew that is usually cooked with onions, beef cubes, and tomatoes.

Plants are drought tolerant, and adapt well to our climate. Mature plants vary in height ranging from 3 feet to 5 feet. It requires full sun and produces an abundance of beautiful and showy yellow flowers, making it quite the ornamental plant.

Regular harvest is encouraged for maximum production. Tastes best when harvested around 2-3 inches.

Grower Lana Mustafa will donate all proceeds from these Bamyeh seed sales directly to seed-saving efforts in Palestine.

Days to maturity: 50-60

Seeds per pack: 55-60

Germination rate: 91% on 03/28/2023

Planting / harvesting notes

Sow seeds of this heat-loving plant indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting, which should happen several weeks after the last frost, or when soil temperatures stay above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Soak seeds overnight for quicker germination, and plant 3/4 inch deep. Space 18 inches in rows 12-18 inches apart. Beds should be at least 3 feet apart as plants tend to bush out widely. Okra likes fertile, well-drained soil with added compost. Regular harvest is encouraged for maximum production. Tastes best when harvested around 2-3 inches.

Seed keeping notes

Okra is insect pollinated. Isolate different okra varieties by at least 1/8th of a mile (or up to 1/2 mile if you are truly concerned about seed purity) to avoid unwanted cross pollination. Allow pods to grow large and turn brown and woody (your neighbors may look at you funny). When you can hear the seeds rattle, harvest the pod and allow it to dry further on trays in the sun in a dry place. Remove seeds and use breath, wind, or fans to remove bits of chaff.

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