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

12 Sep 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 5b climate)
Did you plant it at the right time.
15 Jul 22, Joanna (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Has anyone grown Okra in Christchurch? I bought seeds coz I'm curious about them but it doesn't look like they grow in our Temps?
27 Jan 24, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Have had limited success growing in a greenhouse in Christchurch - poor harvest despite healthy plants
05 Mar 23, Dave Sinclair (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
N Otago /Waitaki River. Planted 12 seeds, late Dec, 3 seedlings 2 survived. 6 pods.by 5.3.23. Yes they do grow, In Hot House, but they like 20-30 degrees cel 24 hours a day. Dave.
29 Jul 22, Tim (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I've grown it in Chch before. It grew well (lots of vegetation) but I didn't get a very big harvest off it.
18 May 22, Janet Ann Shpak (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Soil Temps have to be pretty high for okra. Is it better to wait until late June to plant in zone 4b?
22 May 22, Christine (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Yes! Okra is a plant that came from Africa, and needs warm temps to germinate. Here is a little hint…my mother, who was raised on a farm here in Georgia, always soaked her okra seed for 12 to 24 hours in buttermilk. I have always done that as well, and it seems to help the seed sprout quicker. Water May do the same thing and be as effective, but using buttermilk may have some sort of advantage. Plus, it helps me to feel closer to my ancestors. : ). Of course, you may be able to start the seedlings indoors, depending on how many you will be planting.
22 Feb 22, Manjeet (Australia - temperate climate)
Recipe for okra Okra Wash and dry well, make a cut across the Okra and stuff it with a mixture of Cumin, coriander, Turmeric, chilli, and salt powders. Heat oil in a Vok and fry them till slightly brown. Best eaten with Indian Chapattis or Naan. Do give it a try!
30 Dec 21, Hetal (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I am in Tauranga, planted okra and it's flowering this time, should I harvest before flowering or after? Waited after flowering but there is small pod which turned yellow. What is your advice?
04 Feb 22, John Mauger (Australia - temperate climate)
You would harvest okra pods when they are about 90mm long , after the flower has finished. Getting them going as early as possible in the season is the key to a reasonable harvest in temperate climates.
Showing 11 - 20 of 361 comments

I got my seeds from The Reject Shop. Prevent mildew on okra plants 1 Part Milk 9 Part water 1 tsp bicarb

- Bert

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