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

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.
14 Aug 18, Kay Patena (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Where can I get okra. I live in Hamilton New Zealand.
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
15 Aug 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can buy okra seeds from any reputable online seed seller e.g. Egmont Seeds.
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
05 Jan 20, mudime eugene (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I am platting lot of Okra, In limpopo I can Supply u
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
14 Jun 18, Rae (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi I have very alkaline soils - will okra grow well enough in this. Any suggestions of what to add to keep them happy? Cheers R
15 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google - how to change alkaline soils and read up. Different ways of going about it. Chemicals - compost - manures etc.
21 May 18, Rachel (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Question: When can I stop bringing in my okra seedlings at night? Is +9C too cold? Thanks, Rachel
Showing 91 - 100 of 363 comments

I love okra, do you think if i start planting it now and it will last through winter? Or does it die during winter and spring back to life after that? I am not greeb thumb but trying my best... home grown vegies are the best in taste! my kids love it and so am i

- Hoi

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