More Information
| Botanical Name |
Abelmoschus esculentus |
| Seeds Per Pack |
25 |
| Life Cycle |
Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate |
7 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate |
12 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds |
1 in. |
| When to Sow |
Indoors 1-2 weeks before last spring frost, Outdoors after all danger of spring frost is past |
| Growing Height |
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) |
| Plant Spacing |
15-18 in. (38-45 cm) |
| Hardiness |
N/A |
| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade |
| Danger |
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction |
| Bloom Color |
Bright Yellow |
| Bloom Time |
Late Spring/Early Summer, Late Summer/Early Fall, Mid-Summer |
| Other Details |
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater |
| Soil pH Requirements |
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
| Days to Harvest |
50-60 |
| Propagation Methods |
Direct sow as soon as the ground can be worked, From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
| Seed Collecting |
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds |
When cooked, the leaves of this hibiscus relative turn a deep lovely shade of purple. Gorgeous 3-5' ornamental plants produce high numbers of tender 6-8" pods. There's a pretty contrast between the plant's green leaves against the burgundy stems, branches, leaf ribs and fruits—and a pretty display of yellow-cream flowers. For optimal texture and flavor, harvest often when the pods are young about 3" long, in about 49-60 days.