About
Abelmoschus esculentus 'Clemson Spineless' is an annual plant that reaches a height of approximately 1.5 meters during the growing season. It features large, palmate leaves that are deep green in color and produces cream-colored flowers marked with a dark red center. These blooms appear in small clusters and are followed by slender green pods, which are optimal for harvesting when they measure 4 to 5 centimeters in length. This variety is noted for its minimal spines, making it easier to handle during cultivation.
About the genus
Abelmoschus comprises annual or perennial plants characterized by their hairy texture, large leaves that are typically lobed in a palmate fashion, and flowers resembling those of hibiscus. These 5-petaled blooms can be found in the leaf axils or arranged in terminal racemes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive soil under glass
- Pruning
- No pruning required. Keep harvesting young seed pods to prolong flowering. Wear gloves to protect against irritating hairs on stems
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds