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

10 Dec 16, Jaime (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Flora, I'm in Perth, and I just pop my seeds straight into the garden every year around this time Nov/Dec and they grow and fruit beautifully every time.
04 Sep 16, Wedad (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Adelaide when can plant okra Pleasewich month start
08 Sep 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Now - September - is a good time to start. Sow your seeds now. Bob
20 Apr 16, ntombi (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I wanna ask the production area of okra here in South Africs
15 Apr 16, faye pitt (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
can I plant seeds now or am I too late.
18 Apr 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Faye, You are too late now. Sow your seeds in the beginning of September, so that your plants grow into summer. All the best, Bob
10 Apr 16, Ami (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello... does anyone know where i can buy okra fruit in Melbourne?
24 Apr 16, Cliffy (Australia - tropical climate)
You can't beat Home Grown Okra for flavor and the cost. You can purchase from Coles Occasionally but will cost around $10 Per/KG. Also try the Asian Supermarkets, they will also have.
11 Apr 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We are going into the wrong season now, but next season why don't you grow your own? For Melbourne - sow your seeds mid-spring so that the plants grow into summer. I have had a fantastic crop of okra this season and am still harvesting them. I have deep-frozen a whole lot of them so that I may enjoy them in winter. I am in Brisbane so that makes a big difference, but you could have a good crop as well provided you time you sowing seed/growing conditions right. Plant out about 10 - 12 plants for a good crop, since you need to freeze some as well for winter. Seeds are available at Bunnings. All the best, Bob.
17 Feb 21, Ben (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Bob, I'm in Brisbane and just planted some okra seeds. Am i to late? Not sure what is the best time to plant okra in Brisbane please? And what are the optimum months for fruiting? Thanks much
Showing 181 - 190 of 366 comments

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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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