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

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30 Aug 15, Nicky (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi everyone. I got my seeds recently online from EDEN SEEDS. all pure and non hybrid. Very excited because they have sprouted this week after a couple of weeks being planted if that. Just been outside planting more seeds LOL. I'm on the Sunshine coast inland. 23 degree days 13 nights.
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31 Aug 15, Edna Sabile (Australia - temperate climate)
You can plant earlier than us, i will be planting end of next month September. I got a lot of okra seeds, I have been planting for the last 3 years and this year i have so many seeds.
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02 Jan 16, Bennet (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi Edna, Good to hear from you. I'm currently looking a way I can succeed in planting Okra at my place in Brisbane North, would you be kind to supply me with some seeds and share some tips on way forward? Looking forward to hearing. Kind Regards, Bennet
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25 Aug 15, Lindie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I find okra near nigel, Gauteng?
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30 Oct 15, faiz (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
hi. i ordered my seeds from stodels nurseries and they got it for me
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15 Jul 15, Michael Simpson (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I get get some Okra seeds please?
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10 Aug 15, Geoff Hudson (Australia - temperate climate)
The Italian Gardener has Okra seeds
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31 Jul 15, steven (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i have a few pods saved from last summer's great crop. i can send you a bunch if you email me ur address.
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18 Jul 15, Lisa (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Most of the garden centres should have them. I got my last lot from Masters - DT Brown brand so they should be available at most resellers. (Yates and Mr Fothergill's also have okra seeds.) Alternately e-bay sellers have them as long as you are not in TAS/WA.
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04 Jun 15, Marilyn Coffen (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Must okra be cooked or can it be eaten as a salad ingredient?
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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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