Possible world record okra plant in Carteret County

NEWPORT, N.C. (WITN) – While it’s not a magic beanstalk, the okra plant off Highway 24 in Newport is well over 17 feet tall and continues to get taller.

Organic gardener Vicki Swindell’s massive okra plant she named “Annie Okrey” has been growing since Swindell first planted the seed on April 4.

As Annie Okrey continued to get taller, she says a friend suggested it might be the world’s tallest okra plant.

“I had the sight in mind to beat the world record. I used Miracle Grow a few times, the only extra thing I‘ve ever done to it and used a lot of water, a lot of love, and she’s over 17 foot tall now,” says Swindell.

Swindell contacted Guinness World Records after discovering the current world record okra is 16 feet and 4 inches tall grown by Jack Sweeney in New Orleans in 2022.

Swindell’s friends are amazed by the plant and excited to see the okra grow taller with each visit.

“Just coming out here today I was surprised. Every week it gets a foot taller it‘s crazy and so big! It’s almost in the power lines!,” says Carteret County resident Jennifer Gould.

Swindell says she bought the okra seeds at the Morehead City Lowe’s and her secret to growing a world record plant is using some Miracle Grow and being a little more hands on.

“I planted salvia for pollinators, maybe they [the plants] like that. I do a prayer of intent on everything that I plant. I lay hands on it and tell it I’ll nurture it if it nurtures me and Annie Okrey has done just that,” says Swindell.

Swindell applied for the world record and is now waiting for confirmation. She was informed that it may take up to 12 weeks to hear back.

Copyright 2024 WITN. All rights reserved.