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

02 Oct 19, Joey (Australia - temperate climate)
It's best to soak the seeds overnight first before sowing into seed trays. Last year I sowed the seeds straight into the garden bed and they were all gone. This year I did a bit of research and found
30 Sep 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have a dig around and see if you can find any seeds or seedlings starting to shoot. You may have over watered them and they have gone rotten.
14 Aug 19, Bhupinder (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I grown ockra now
15 Aug 19, Gary (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have a look in PLANT NOW big green Button on Left side. ??
15 Aug 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
If you took notice of the planting guide it says plant seeds Oct Nov - soil temp 20-35. You can plant it now but it may not germinate - soil temp is now probably 14-18 degrees.
08 Jul 19, Sai (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I planted Okra seeds indoors late June. They are about 3-5 inches now. The weather in my 10a zone has been 50s-70s. When should I plant the seedlings in my garden bed?
19 Nov 19, Milena (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I'm in 10b (not so huge difference), I sowed directly in a container outside, also late June and they are doing awesome :)
06 Jul 19, Tim (USA - Zone 9a climate)
How well does okra grow with green and Roma beans and field peas?
14 Jun 19, Quincy (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Why do okra rot during flowering stage
26 Feb 19, Russell Byers (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. Wondering whether okra is an annual,perennial or bi annual in the adelaide area and whether cold winter temps knock them back.
Showing 71 - 80 of 366 comments

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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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