Louisiana Green Velvet

Okra investigations began in the early 1930’s with Drs. J.C. Miller and W.F. Wilson aiming at developing spineless varieties for commercial and home use. They selected plant height and pod shape in their breeding studies to develop improved varieties for mechanical & manual harvesting, canning, processing and fresh use. In 1937, Louisiana Velvet was selected for being virtually spineless. Upon further selection and improvement, ‘Louisiana Green Velvet’ was released in 1940 as especially adapted for canning, holding up in color and form through the canning process. Louisiana Green Velvet was also touted as being prolific, spineless, with round smooth pods excellent for home or commercial use. Seed for this variety was acquired from GRIN (PI 675127) and grown out for seed increase and evaluation in the 2021, 2022, and 2024 Preservation Garden. In all 3 years, Louisiana Green Velvet was prolific, drought tolerant, and suffered no disease problems when planted by normal okra spacing (12”).The pods were spineless, round and smooth and remained tender for longer on the stalk, reducing the need for daily harvests. Green Velvet holds up well to canning, freezing and is excellent for fresh eating. 56 days to harvest.