Abstract: In order to identify suitable lighting for the artificial breeding of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), this study used pot experiments to evaluate the effects of different light qualities on the growth, pigment content and stomatal characteristics of okra seedlings. The ‘Wufu’ cultivar was used as test material and, using a single factor randomized block design, the seedlings were exposed to five types of lighting: fluorescent (CK, control), blue (B), purple (P), red (R) and blue plus red (BR). The results showed that compared to CK the seedlings’ fresh mass, dry mass and photosynthetic pigment contents increased by varying degrees under the four treatments, with the largest increases recorded for BR lighting. Stomatal frequency on the adaxial surface of leaves was greatest in seedlings grown under BR and R. Stomatal frequency on abaxial surfaces was greatest under BR. Stomatal length on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of leaves was greatest under BR, followed by B. Stomatal width and stomatal arc length on adaxial surfaces were greatest under BR, while on abaxial surfaces they were highest under B, followed by BR. Okra seedlings grew well under BR lighting, which promoted growth, photosynthetic pigments and stomatal characteristics. BR is suitable for okra seedlings and can be used as a priority light in okra culture systems.