Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

Abelmoschus esculentus : Malvaceae / the mallow family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
        T              
        P              

(Best months for growing Okra in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 14 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 11-14 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peppers (Capsicum, Chili), Eggplant (Aubergine)

Your comments and tips

04 Nov 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
On the internet or try local gardening shops
29 Oct 20, John Phuravhathu (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
How many seeds per hole for okra.
30 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Each 30-60cm plant two seeds about 10cm apart. About 3 weeks after germination pull out the weaker plant or transplant to where maybe none germinated. Don't put 2-3 seeds in each hole.
29 Sep 20, THUSO (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I stay in kimberley (south africa) where can i get okro?
30 Sep 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try seed selling companies on the internet.
28 Sep 20, Lynn (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi I planted Okra in August and nothing came up. Was it perhaps to cold?
29 Sep 20, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
The planting guide at the top of the page says to plant Oct to Feb, the reason probably is the soil temp. It needs warmer soil temp to germinate. Why because it is a summer crop NOT a winter crop.
16 Aug 20, Rachelle Brunetta (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I am in San Diego zone 10b, is it too late to plant okra in mid August ? (Gardenate : Check here www.gardenate.com/plant/Okra?zone=100 )
09 Sep 20, Sandra (USA - Zone 10b climate)
You can continue to plant okra so long as your weather stays warm to hot, so I just planted out 3 plants about two inches tall, they should produce until it’s too cold for them, they may live through the cold and maybe not. But do plant them where they get full sun all day whether the weather is cold or hot, they tolerate drought, very tough plant. Freeze anything you don’t eat right away. Pick often to produce more.
22 Aug 20, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Hi! I'm also in San Diego 10b. Sometimes my okra makes it all the way through the winter and sometimes it doesn't (same with my eggplants), as they're both perennials that hate frost. So much of it is luck--or where they're planted in the yard. If they're near my South wall they always make it. I say give it a shot! They'll grow FAST at first, much faster than when planted in March. You'll get a small harvest in November, and then the plants will not grow much until the weather warms back up in Feb/March, if they make it. I suggest cutting them to 1-2 feet tall in late November and covering them with garden fleece anytime light frost is threatened. If they survive the winter they'll come back in a bushier form and you'll be way ahead for next year.
Showing 41 - 50 of 366 comments

Soil Temps have to be pretty high for okra. Is it better to wait until late June to plant in zone 4b?

- Janet Ann Shpak

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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