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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08 Sep 15, Kizzy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi is there anychance i could get some okra seeds from you too?
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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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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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12 Apr 15, James (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I live in Tasmania and grow indoors. I picked up a variety called 'Louisiana 16's' from the American seed company Bakers Creek Seeds. They deal soley in Heirloom/Organic seeds. Louisiana 16's grow to 16" long (hence the name) and are still very tender. I think they cost me $5 and about the same in postage, I spent over $50 bucks on that site. Would Reccommend!
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18 Nov 14, Lyn Sharrock (Australia - temperate climate)
I would love some of the long seeds from liiz.tw also ,I have not seen the long okra
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Showing 111 - 120 of 236 comments
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Hey i have a few Okra plants growing that i have just planted out in the back yard as seedlings and they are growing strong, i have found some small flower buds on the young plants and was wondering if this is common with transplants or if i should cut the buds off and allow the young plants to focus on growing as they are still quite small. My zucchini seem to be growing flowers already and they are only small, recent transplants. Has anyone experience anything similiar?

- Dmitri

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