Heirloom Herb. Okra seeds grow into pods that make a delicious addition to soup and stews – we suggest rolling pods in corn-meal batter, then frying. Also known as Gumbo. Okra seed produces a plant that thrives in warm soil and warm weather and is in the same family as both hibiscus and hollyhocks. The 4-8 cm (2-3″) wide white-to-yellow coloured flowers resemble hibiscus and as such, they also make a nice low maintenance ornamental. Okra is extremely heat and drought tolerant and can grow to 120 cm (48″) in height. Annual.