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 9 feet. We have been selecting for taller plants with an abundance of long, slender, light green pods. 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.

We received this variety from the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library in order to increase the amount and availability of this important Palestinian seed. Our friend Lana Mustafa also grows this ancestral plant with her friends at City Green, an organic farm in Clifton, NJ and she first introduced it to our catalog.

From the Palestine Heirloom Seed Project website: "Like most farmers around the world, Palestinian farmers are facing the dangers of agribusiness, corporate seed, land dominance along with political violence. But many of these farmers are the heroes who have been safeguarding these precious seeds and the knowledge these seeds carry. Palestinian heirloom seed varieties are under threat; many have gone extinct. These seeds that have been passed down to us over the centuries carry in their genes the stories and the spirits of the Palestinian indigenous ancestors. Aside from their cultural significance, these seeds carry options for our future survival as we face climate change and the erosion of agrobiodiversity worldwide. As such, it is urgent that we save and propagate them."

50% of the price of every packet sold will go to the Palestine Heirloom Seed Library to support their important work in preserving Palestinian farming and foodways.

Days to maturity: 50-60

Seeds per pack: 55-60

Germination rate: 90% on 02/20/2025

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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