A unique red okra with pods that are round, not ribbed, and a brighter red color than the reddish burgundy okras currently available. This high-performing AAS Winner received high marks for productivity, taste, texture and tenderness as well as the ornamental value of red pods on red stems. One judge noted that Candle Fire okra was quite maintenance free to grow, except for the frequent harvesting, which is a great thing! Candle Fire thrives in the heat and is disease resistant even in hot humid climates like the south where it’s perfect for traditional fried okra. Suitable for both fruit producing and ornamental usage. Aged fruit can be used in flower arrangements. Dry seed can be used as coffee (without caffeine.)
Plant requires soil with high organic matter content. Sandy and clay soil should be avoided. The cultivation environment should be about (20-35C) 68-95F degrees, sunny and with good ventilation. Direct seed sowing or seedling transplanting are both recommended in cultivation. The seeds should be soaked with water for 12 hours before being sown, which is the necessary process to enhance germination. For home gardener, pruning is not necessary. With proper irrigation, this variety is easy to be managed because it is not susceptible to any special disease. The flower formation starts 50 days after sowing. The fruit can be harvested in 5-7 days after flowering. After the plant starts to bloom, every 10 days it should be supplied with water and fertilizer so as to ensure long-term harvest.
AAS Display Garden- River Valley Master Gardeners –
Candle Fire is a fantastic okra, especially if one tends to forget to pick regularly. Even the longer okra pods are tender and tasty, not fibrous.
In addition, it is a beautiful plant and doesn’t get huge quickly. Zone 6a
Jeni Cullen, Eden Park, Cincinnati, OH –
An eye-catching plant that always gets the “What is THAT?” question. Pretty yellow, hibiscus-like flowers followed by loads of gorgeous bright red fruit really makes this edible a beautiful ornamental as well.