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 20°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 35 - 60 cm apart
  • Harvest in 11-14 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peppers (Capsicum, Chili), Eggplant (Aubergine)

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
27 Aug 18, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Can Okra grown in the North West Tasmania with temp around low to mid 20 degrees. I enjoy your information.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Most of Tassie is cool/mountain. No planting guide here - too cold probably. 20 degrees - summer/winter - day or night temp????? Google and read up about TRYING to grow in cool/cold climate.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Aug 18, Komal (Australia - arid climate)
Hi I l lives in NSW. Last year I planted okra. I got lots of okra, but now only stem are left. No leafs. Should I germinate seeds again or wait for leafs n flower?
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Aug 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The species is a perennial, often cultivated as an annual in temperate climates, and often grows to around 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall. It is related to such species as cotton, cocoa, and hibiscus. Google it if you need more info.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Aug 18, Kay Patena (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Where can I get okra. I live in Hamilton New Zealand.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Aug 18, Jenelyn (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I bought my okra seeds from trade me but I saw okra seed selling at bunnings warehouse and ordering garden centre
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Aug 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can buy okra seeds from any reputable online seed seller e.g. Egmont Seeds.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Jul 18, Nomuds (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi I like to know if you have okra leaves. I'm in Phoenix Durban and my contact number is 0713019787
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Jan 20, mudime eugene (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I am platting lot of Okra, In limpopo I can Supply u
Reply or Post a new comment
03 May 20, Andrew Motaung (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi where in Limpopo are you based ? I need okra and also want to plant okra in winter can you recommend a suitably warm area for me please my contact number is 0836284825 am Sello
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 91 - 100 of 366 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Okra

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.