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

15 Aug 19, Gary (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have a look in PLANT NOW big green Button on Left side. ??
15 Aug 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
If you took notice of the planting guide it says plant seeds Oct Nov - soil temp 20-35. You can plant it now but it may not germinate - soil temp is now probably 14-18 degrees.
08 Jul 19, Sai (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I planted Okra seeds indoors late June. They are about 3-5 inches now. The weather in my 10a zone has been 50s-70s. When should I plant the seedlings in my garden bed?
19 Nov 19, Milena (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I'm in 10b (not so huge difference), I sowed directly in a container outside, also late June and they are doing awesome :)
06 Jul 19, Tim (USA - Zone 9a climate)
How well does okra grow with green and Roma beans and field peas?
14 Jun 19, Quincy (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Why do okra rot during flowering stage
26 Feb 19, Russell Byers (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. Wondering whether okra is an annual,perennial or bi annual in the adelaide area and whether cold winter temps knock them back.
28 Feb 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Try an internet search - google or duckduckgo.com
27 Jan 19, Mrunal (Australia - temperate climate)
I had grow okra seed directly to my back yard in the soil on Dec 2018 last week but there is no any germination find out so please guide me for further perusal
03 Dec 19, Mary (Australia - temperate climate)
Okra takes 10-14 days to germinate so be patient.
Showing 71 - 80 of 363 comments

I have grown Okra for a few years and have had reasonable success. I buy the Clemson spineless seeds and have found a short pre-soaking helps germination. I have had my best success in growing seedlings in late spring (>20C) and kept away from the elements as the plants are whimps when it comes to cold. I plant out in mid-Nov (Adelaide hills). They are very slow at the beginning and you must be patient. I have found the fastest growth occurs when temps are >25C, but they hate dry hot wind. If you are willing to baby the plants with consistent watering (2-3 times/week) with liquid fertiliser (they're very heavy feeders) and get them to approx 12 inches they grow like a weed after that with little care. Pick the pods at approx 3" but discard any over 5" as they are very woody. Good luck

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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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