Some vegetables wilt in the summer sun, but okra doesn’t flinch. This heat-loving crop actually thrives in full sun and high temperatures.
When other plants slow down, okra kicks into high gear. It pushes out pods week after week with little complaint.
It's flavorful, low-maintenance, and perfect for Southern gardens. Whether you're growing in raised beds, backyard rows, or large containers, these varieties are built for the heat.
From compact types to towering giants, these 23 okra plants deliver the reliable harvests you want all summer long. Let’s take a look at your best bets for sizzling success.
1. Clemson Spineless 80
This classic okra grows fast and keeps cranking out pods through scorching temperatures. It’s a favorite for a reason: simple to harvest, easy to manage, and full of garden-fresh flavor.
The pods are spineless, which makes picking them a breeze. Plants grow tall and stay productive all season long.
It’s well-suited for large gardens or sunny corners in smaller yards. If you want a dependable performer in the heat, this is a top choice.
2. Emerald
Known for its dark green pods and soft texture, Emerald loves the heat and doesn’t slow down all summer. Its pods stay tender even when left to grow a bit larger.
It’s excellent in soups, stir-fries, and especially gumbo. The plants have an upright growth habit and are easy to manage.
Gardeners appreciate its consistent yields and great flavor. For a reliable green variety, Emerald is a strong contender.
3. Louisiana Green Velvet
Big, fuzzy pods with a buttery taste make this variety stand out. It grows tall and performs well in hot, humid zones.
The plants have thick stems and strong growth, making them less likely to topple. Its velvety texture adds charm both in the garden and the kitchen.
Pods are best picked young for peak tenderness. This heirloom variety is a Louisiana garden staple for good reason.
4. Perkins Long Pod
This variety is all about size and speed. Its long, pale green pods mature quickly, making it a great pick for frequent harvesting.
The plants grow upright and respond well to full sun. Gardeners love how prolific and dependable it is during summer heat.
Its slim, tender pods are great for pickling or frying. If you need a steady producer, this one delivers.
5. Hill Country Red
With striking red stems and pods, this variety adds color to your garden. It handles heat beautifully and brings a mild, earthy taste.
The plants are tall and sturdy, well-suited for southern climates. Pods keep their texture when cooked and look lovely in fresh dishes.
It’s a regional favorite that also grows well in poor soil. Hill Country Red offers both visual interest and flavor.
6. Evertender
True to its name, Evertender delivers a steady supply of smooth, green pods all summer long. It thrives in high heat and keeps growing when other plants slow down.
The pods are slender, straight, and ideal for slicing or pickling. Gardeners love how it stays productive even in stressful weather.
Its compact habit works well in both garden beds and containers. Evertender is a top pick for nonstop harvests.
7. Burgundy
Its deep burgundy pods and stems turn heads. This beauty holds up well in hot climates and delivers great flavor, especially when picked young.
The rich color fades slightly when cooked but still looks stunning. It’s an excellent addition to edible landscapes or ornamental beds.
Plants are upright and relatively compact. Burgundy adds elegance and taste to summer gardens.
8. Cowhorn
Cowhorn okra earns its name from the curved shape of its pods. It grows tall and handles extreme heat with ease, producing pods over 10 inches long.
The plants need space but reward growers with heavy yields. Pods stay tender longer than most large varieties.
It’s a great option for those who like fewer, larger harvests. Cowhorn is big, bold, and made for southern heat.
9. Baby Bubba Hybrid
Perfect for containers or small spaces, Baby Bubba stays compact while offering steady output. It’s a solid performer during heatwaves.
This variety grows just two to three feet tall but doesn’t skimp on productivity. Pods are slender and tender, ideal for quick-cooking recipes.
It’s easy to grow with minimal effort. Baby Bubba is a smart choice for patios and tight garden spots.
10. Cajun Delight
This hybrid is prized for early harvests and smooth, edible pods. It’s bred to resist disease and thrives in steamy weather.
The plants are compact and productive, making them great for raised beds. Pods grow quickly and stay flavorful when picked young.
Gardeners enjoy how reliably it performs in the heat. For fast-growing, tasty okra, Cajun Delight delivers.
11. Stewart's Zeebest
A standout in southern gardens, this variety is known for steady yields and resilience in high heat. It produces until the season ends.
The pods are long, tender, and full of old-fashioned flavor. Plants grow wide and benefit from extra spacing.
It’s a top pick for gardeners seeking endurance and output. Stewart’s Zeebest lives up to its name in hot climates.
12. Red Velvet
Ornamental and edible, Red Velvet okra thrives in warm zones and offers bold red pods with a sweet flavor. Perfect for fresh eating.
The plants are vigorous and colorful, adding beauty to edible gardens. Pods hold their color better than most red types.
It also performs well in containers. Red Velvet brings style and substance to the garden.
13. Go Big
As the name suggests, this okra develops sizable, meaty pods without sacrificing flavor. It loves full sun and long summers.
The plants are tall and sturdy, handling the heat with ease. Pods grow thick and juicy, perfect for slicing and grilling.
It’s well-suited for gardeners wanting bold growth. Go Big lives up to its name in every way.
14. Texas Hill Country Red
A Texas favorite, this heirloom handles hot weather and poor soil with ease. Its red pods are firm and flavorful.
The plants are hardy and don’t need much fuss to thrive. It’s especially well-matched for clay or sandy soil.
Pod production stays strong through heat spells. For tough garden spots, Texas Hill Country Red is a winner.
15. Annie Oakley II
Compact and high-yielding, this hybrid works well in smaller gardens. It’s disease-resistant and doesn’t mind intense heat.
The plants grow fast and produce uniform pods. Harvesting is easy thanks to its tidy shape.
It’s great for busy gardeners wanting reliable results. Annie Oakley II is efficient, productive, and tough.
16. Blondy
Blondy okra stands out with its pale, creamy pods. It’s a bush-type plant that handles southern heat and offers a mild, nutty flavor.
The plants stay small and are easy to tuck into tight spaces. Pods have a smooth texture and pleasant taste.
It’s a fun alternative to green or red okra types. Blondy offers charm and performance.
17. Lee
Popular among commercial growers, Lee delivers generous harvests even in blazing sun. The pods are straight, crisp, and ideal for pickling.
Plants are known for consistency and strength. It matures quickly and keeps producing with little drop-off.
The flavor holds well after cooking or preserving. For quantity and quality, Lee is a standout.
18. Alabama Red
This southern staple sports bright red pods and strong stems. It’s made for hot, humid climates and adds a pop of color to the garden.
The plants are robust and bounce back after heat stress. Pods have a gentle sweetness that’s great fresh or cooked.
It brings beauty and flavor to any plot. Alabama Red is built for the Deep South.
19. Green Best
Fast-growing and heat-tolerant, Green Best delivers uniform pods with a crisp texture. It’s perfect for consistent, homegrown harvests.
The plants are vigorous and stay upright even in strong sun. Pods mature evenly, making harvesting simpler.
Its clean flavor pairs well with many dishes. Green Best lives up to its name in warm climates.
20. Lucky Green
An easy grower with good disease resistance, Lucky Green thrives in full sun and produces smooth, mild pods in abundance. It has a tidy growing habit that’s great for backyard beds.
The pods are soft and flavorful, perfect for stir-frying or steaming. Gardeners like how it bounces back after dry spells.
It’s a forgiving plant that rewards attention. Lucky Green is a feel-good favorite for beginners.
21. Candle Fire
This hybrid red okra stands out with its vibrant color and crisp texture. Bred for hot weather, Candle Fire keeps producing through long, sunny days.
The pods are slightly shorter than standard types but arrive in big numbers. It looks great in garden beds and tastes even better on the plate.
Plants stay compact and are easy to manage. Candle Fire is a striking and reliable addition to any hot-climate garden.
22. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is an early producer that doesn’t hold back in the heat. Its compact plants grow fast and churn out crisp, green pods in abundance.
This hybrid handles extreme sun and stays productive well into summer. The flavor is rich and perfect for frying or stews.
It’s also ideal for raised beds and container gardens. Jambalaya delivers speed, flavor, and quantity in a tidy package.
23. Louisiana Short Pod
This compact okra variety handles the heat and doesn’t need much space. It’s ideal for gardeners looking for flavor without the fuss.
The plants stay low but yield plenty of pods. Their short, plump shape makes them easy to prep and cook.
It performs well in both beds and containers. Louisiana Short Pod is a reliable choice for small-scale growers.
The Best Okra for Hot-Weather Success
When temperatures soar, these 23 okra varieties step up. They deliver high yields, bold flavor, and reliable performance all summer long.
Whether you're growing in a backyard bed or a balcony container, there's an option here that can handle the heat and keep the harvests coming. From towering stalks to compact patio types, each one offers something unique.
You’ll find choices for color, texture, and taste-all heat-hardy and garden-tested. For warm-weather growing success, these okra stars won’t let you down.