Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

Abelmoschus esculentus : Malvaceae / the mallow family

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

(Best months for growing Okra in Australia - sub-tropical 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 Australia | for all countries
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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???
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Apr 18, NICK OOSTHUIZEN (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Looking for seeds in fochville area
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Mar 18, Jennifer (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi, could okra be grown year round if grown in a temperature controlled tunnel?
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Feb 18, Mohammed (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Is it too late to grow OKRA now in Sydney - Blacktown area
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Mar 18, Jill (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have been harvesting okra since last week Feb (Brisbane) but it's been really hot
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 101 - 110 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.