Five Unique Plants I’m Excited to Plant in My Garden

1. Red Burgundy Okra

Okra is one of my top underrated garden vegetables!

For starters, okra plants produce beautiful flowers that are similar to hibiscus flowers because they are from the same family. Additionally, I have found okra to be a high-yielding and hearty plant. 

So what is Red Burgundy Okra?

It’s a vibrant heirloom variety with deep red, slender pods that grow up to six inches long and add a striking visual appeal to gardens. The plant produces large, creamy-yellow flowers that attract pollinators and thrives in hot, humid conditions. Its pods have a tender texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making them excellent for frying, pickling, or adding to gumbo.

Dishes that Use Red Burgundy Okra:

• Creole Gumbo – A classic Louisiana dish where the tender, red okra thickens the broth alongside seafood, sausage, and spices.
• Pickled Okra – The vibrant red pods are pickled with vinegar, garlic, and spices, making for a crunchy, tangy snack or garnish.
• Stir-Fried Okra with Garlic – Lightly sautéed with garlic, soy sauce, and chili for a quick and flavorful side dish.

2. Aji Charapita

I lived in Peru about 10 years ago, and Aji Charapita is quite popular there. I loved eating this spicy pepper and I haven’t eaten it since because I’ve never seen it in the United States! I love its fruity spice!

Aji Charapita is a tiny, round, bright-yellow chili pepper from the Amazon rainforest of Peru. Despite its small size, it packs a powerful, fruity heat similar to a habanero, making it a prized ingredient in salsas, sauces, and traditional Peruvian cuisine. The plant is compact and bushy, producing prolific clusters of these flavorful peppers throughout the growing season.

Dishes that Use Aji Charapita:

• Peruvian Salsa Criolla — A fresh salsa made with red onions, lime, and finely chopped Aji Charapita for a spicy kick.
• Amazonian Spicy Fish Stew – Traditional Peruvian dish featuring fish and coconut milk.
• Spicy Ceviche – Fresh seafood cured in lime juice with Aji Charapita for an intense but balanced heat.

3. Stevia

I was also first exposed to Stevia when I lived in Peru, which makes since because it originated in South America. When Kyrié learned this, she said she remembers it gaining popularity in the U.S. while she was in high school (circa 2015). I’m guessing that it gained popularity in the U.S. around then, since that’s also around the time I moved back to the U.S. from Peru.

I have also tried the Keto diet before and in those times, I loved drinks made with stevia. I definitely think stevia is much healthier than artificial sweeteners. 

Stevia is a naturally sweet herb native to South America, known for its leaves that contain compounds up to 300 times sweeter than sugar. This perennial plant thrives in warm climates and can be grown in containers or gardens, preferring well-drained soil and full sun. It is commonly used as a natural sugar substitute in teas, desserts, and beverages due to its zero-calorie sweetness.

Dishes/Drinks that Use Stevia:

• Stevia-Sweetened Iced Tea – Fresh or dried stevia leaves steeped in tea to provide natural sweetness without sugar.
• Keto-Friendly Stevia Chocolate Mousse – A creamy, rich dessert using stevia as a low-carb sweetener.
• Homemade Stevia-Sweetened Jam – Berries cooked down with stevia for a sugar-free fruit spread.

4. Mushroom Basket Tomato

The Mushroom Basket tomato variety is a deeply ribbed heirloom tomato with a vibrant red-pink hue and meaty, juicy flesh. The large fruits, which resemble pleated mushrooms, have a rich, old-fashioned tomato flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Ideal for slicing, stuffing, or making sauces, this indeterminate variety is highly productive and thrives in warm climates.

I think tomatoes that have the deep ribbing are so beautiful. I’ve grown a couple in the past, but they’ve always been smaller varieties. I’m hoping that the mushroom basket will be an even bigger and better variation!

Dishes that Use Mushroom Basket Tomato:

• Stuffed Tomato Cups – The large, ribbed tomatoes are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of grains, cheese, and herbs.
• Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad – Sliced Mushroom Basket tomatoes layered with fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze.
• Rustic Tomato Tart – Flaky pastry topped with thick slices of Mushroom Basket tomatoes, herbs, and cheese.

5. Ukrainian Purple Tomato

The Ukrainian Purple Tomato is a prolific heirloom variety that produces elongated, plum-shaped fruits with a deep purplish-red skin. Known for its rich, sweet flavor and meaty texture, it is excellent for fresh eating, sauces, and roasting. This indeterminate plant is highly disease-resistant and thrives in a variety of climates, making it a favorite among home gardeners.

In my experience of growing tomatoes, the purple varieties have some of the best flavor profiles. Kyrié loves the black cherry tomato (which is a purple variety), so I’m hoping she’ll like this one just as much! 

Dishes that Use Ukrainian Purple Tomato:

• Tomato and Basil Bruschetta – Diced tomatoes on toasted bread with garlic, basil, and olive oil.
• Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce – Slow-roasted tomatoes blended into a rich, flavorful sauce for pasta or pizza.
• Tomato and Feta Salad – Sliced tomatoes mixed with feta, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette.

Thanks for reading along, guys! If you enjoyed this, check out my other gardening blog posts:

• How to Start a Garden on a Budget for Under $100
• 4 Reasons Why Tomatoes Are the Best Vegetable to Grow
• My Garden Setup: 3 Best Garden Containers for Every Gardener
• Essential and Nice-to-Have Garden Products for Your Perfect Setup
• Best Tomatoes of 2024: My Top 10 Favorite Varieties