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 S        
      T T T T T T      
      P P P P P P      

(Best months for growing Okra in Australia - 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
29 May 20, Maggie Sorrels (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Is it too late to plant okra seeds ? How long till harvest?
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17 May 20, Chuck Celestine (USA - Zone 8b climate)
it's May 16th and I'm wanting to sow some okra seeds. Has anyone had success in zone 8b? Would love some tips, for i don't have much room so I do mostly containers, but I can make space if needed. Thanks so much Chuck Celestine
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01 May 20, Bob (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Is it best to direct sow or transplant okra in 9a.
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09 May 20, Kimberly Borzillo (USA - Zone 7b climate)
direct sow....can do 2 week succession planting... okra loves hot weather and is very forgiving.
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21 Apr 20, Suresh (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I GOT A OKRA PLANT IN MY GARDEN , Grown really well and healthy and blooming a lot of buds and flowers. But the buds turns brown and falls. I need to know what's the solution for that? The plants are about three months old.
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26 Mar 21, Benny (New Zealand - temperate climate)
That's because pollination didn't happen. Manually pollinate them by taking a cotton bud, rub the pollen on the female part of the flower.
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22 Apr 20, M (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I suggest you research on the internet why they are falling off. I have never grown them.
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30 Oct 19, Ronald thivhedzani mutshweni (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is right to grow okra in November, am staying at Hagumbu village, I got water to water the plants
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13 Nov 19, anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Check the calendar at the top of the Okra page. Make sure you are using your correct climate zone.
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26 Sep 19, Charulata Shah (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live on the Goldcoast,QLD. I planted some okra seeds about 3 weeks ago. Still no signs of germination. How long does it take to germinate?
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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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