Type
heirloom green pod
Okra variety
Perkins Long Pod Okra
An old variety with long tapered pods and vigorous plants. It is dependable and well known in warm-region gardens.
Days to maturity
55 to 60
Best for
southern gardens, heirloom growing
About Perkins Long Pod
Perkins Long Pod is an open-pollinated heirloom that produces long, slender, ridged dark green pods, often reaching 7 inches or more while remaining relatively tender. It is an early, productive variety on tall plants, and it has long been a dependable garden and market type. The pods have the classic ribbed okra look and mild flavor.
Growing Perkins Long Pod Okra
Sow in full sun once the soil is warm, spacing plants about 12 to 18 inches apart in rows around 3 feet apart. It matures early, roughly 55 days, and yields steadily through the heat of summer. Even though the pods can grow long, they still toughen with age, so pick them young and often, every day or two, for the most tender results.
Full growing guide
For planting dates, care, and harvest that apply to all okra, see the complete guide.
How to grow OkraOther okra varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.