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

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26 Aug 12, Maria Treffinger (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Can you buy okra in Australia? Do you find it in the supermarket? My niece is in Australia for the semester and wants to make gumbo. Thank you. Maria
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24 Dec 08, nia (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We live in western sydney and have planted some okra seeds, we prepared the garden bed with about 20cm thick organic soil from a local store. The okra plants germinated in 2 weeks OK. But it was not growing as we expected the tempeature was ranging 29-25C at that time. still they are about 9cm height and I could observe tiny buds on the plant. (after 2 months of planting). Any body help me to find out what went wrong?
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05 Nov 08, Sina (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Okra should germinate in 10-21 days at 20C, so you shouldnt need to use black plastic. Soaking the seeds in lukewarm water for at least two hours will definately help. In a temperate zone it is definatly worth growing in tubs as warmth is necessary especially at night at all times, but if you get up to 40C, a sheltered spot will do. well watered and a foliar mist and a couple of liquid feeds will keep them happy. Usually start to crop in 52 days
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03 Nov 08, Gary (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it advisable to cover the soil with black plastic. Right now it's about 18c but in a few weeks we'll expect 25-35c and up to around 40c at summers peak. Also I wanted to find out if it might be trying to grow okra in tubs, your advice greatly appreciated, thanks Gary
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27 Jan 08, Chris (Unknown climate)
You can speed up germination by soaking the seeds overnight. This can allow them to germinate in 5 days. Normally it will take around 15 days.
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25 Jan 08, Cath (Unknown climate)
is there a secret to germinating okra seeds?
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Showing 361 - 366 of 366 comments
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Thank you for this information, Jean. It certainly helps. Do you know if the same can be done with Rosellas - also being related to hibiscus as you will know. cheers

- anita

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