Nkruma Tenten Okra

Nkruma Tenten is an heirloom okra from Ghana, only recently introduced to North America. This gorgeous "tree okra" has red stems, dark green leaves, and pods that are tinged with deep red. The pods, leaves and flowers are also edible and delicious. The pods are exceptionally fat and thick walled. The leaves are large, tender and spineless. This okra is a slow grower, but once it begins to produce it continues until frost.

Days to maturity: 65-80

Seeds per pack: 20

Germination rate: 90% on 02/16/2024

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" deep. Space 18" in rows 12-18" apart. Beds should be at least 3' apart as plants tend to bush out widely. Okra likes fertile, well-drained soil with added compost.

Harvest and eat this okra when the pods are small and still tender. When growing new varieties of okra, we encourage harvesting at all different stages until you get a sense of the best size for eating. We even eat them raw in the field as a test!

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. That said, this is an unusual species of okra, and shouldn't cross with more common varieties. 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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