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

19 May 18, onesmus (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi am in johannesburg and i need okrah leaves in plenty, where can i get them???
03 Apr 18, NICK OOSTHUIZEN (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Looking for seeds in fochville area
24 Sep 18, Siphiwe (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I can assist you with okra seeds. I grow it in Mpumalanga. How much seeds do you need? My number is 0722321174
11 Mar 18, Jennifer (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi, could okra be grown year round if grown in a temperature controlled tunnel?
27 Feb 18, Mohammed (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Is it too late to grow OKRA now in Sydney - Blacktown area
01 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Should be Ok by this website. It says plant up to Feb - today is only 1st March.
04 Mar 18, Jill (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have been harvesting okra since last week Feb (Brisbane) but it's been really hot
16 Feb 18, Anette (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it too late to sow okra seed in Adelaide?
19 Feb 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
You are Temperate zone. It says plant by Jan - you can give it a try.
15 Feb 18, Hosheder (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I want to buy some okra seeds. Where can I buy them?
Showing 101 - 110 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

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.