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
24 Apr 18, Rast (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi.. You can get Okra from fruit and vegetables shops around jhb.. I get mine from Soweto diepkloof square Mall. It's good for diabetes.. And many other stuff.. Try it
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Mar 14, aruna (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
hi Loraine, You can buy them from any pick n pay, or Builders seed section. very easily available.
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Feb 14, chris (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi Loraine Visit the livingseeds.co.za website. Go to vegetable tab, then to unusual vegetable and their you will find okra seed. Regards Chris
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Jan 14, Trish (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where do you find Okra in South Africa?
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Nov 13, Suzanne (USA - Zone 5a climate)
If we leave the okra we grew this year with several pods still on it will the seeds fall off and we'll have new plants in the spring?
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Oct 13, Rirhandzu (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What type of fertilizer would you recommend for Okra? Secondly, what are pests associated with Okra and how can one control them? Kind regards RIRHANDZU
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Jan 14, Masana (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I use the organic fertilizer with Gypsum lime and the normal manure - i find Okra responds well to it. It grows stunted in other fertilizers i have tried in the past. Stink bugs and bollworms are common pests for Okra. I also use the organic pest control for these that i buy at Builder's Express.
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Sep 13, Rod (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I would like to try Okra as I am a type 2 diabetic and have heard it can really help, I live in Perth, is there any where I can buy the seeds or plants. Many thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Mar 14, faina dobrenko (Australia - temperate climate)
eBay. I also just bought seedlings from Bunnings.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Oct 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
Seeds are available in Reject shop and Bunnings. I´ve just seeded them directly to the soil. Grew immediately!
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 251 - 260 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.