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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10 Oct 14, liz (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have some okra seeds from my friend and he told me this is a long variety. The okra are still nice and tender when they're 20 cm long. Send me a prepaid envelope and I can share these seeds. Liiiz.tw@gmail. com
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17 Feb 21, Ben (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Liz, I'm wondering if you still have the seeds for the long okra to share? I've been searching online for seeds of the long okra since Dec when I was given some fresh ones from a friend and was delighted that it tasted so good. Will send a prepaid envelope when I hear back from you. Thanks again
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18 Nov 14, Leeta (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
if you still have some seed available, can I please have your address so I can send you an envelope. Thank you.
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24 Oct 14, Anne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can I have your address so I can send you a prepaid envelope for some seeds...I haven't had the long pods for 20 years or so and wld dearly love to grow some.Thank you.
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15 Sep 14, dorothy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I am following this thread as I would like to know too, I live in Central Qld just out of Calliope area. Wooderson
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15 Sep 14, Doug dobsa (Australia - tropical climate)
Where can I obtain seeds and or seedlings from I live in Central Queensland
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21 Sep 14, Shannon (Australia - temperate climate)
I just bought Okra seeds online from Eden Seeds, they have a couple of varieties available. Cheers, Shannon.
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11 Apr 14, Kalyanie (Australia - temperate climate)
I was so delighted to read peter's comment.I bought some from bunnings and we are unable to find long variety here in WA. Peter would you be able to send some long variety seeds for me.We used to grow them back home. Thank you .
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08 Jan 15, Bev (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I went onto this thread to find the sowing times for okra and saw your question about seeds. I live in the Rockingham area and find it hard to obtain good seeds for unusual or old timer plants. I went to Fremantle to visit friends and droped into Manna Wholefoods and Cafe on South Tce. They stock Eden seeds. I bought the Okra there... but I think that Eden seeds have an online facility where you can order what you want... plus they have a lot of old fashioned varieties that are hard to find Cheers Bev
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12 Mar 14, lorrie johnstone (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i grow okra on the sunshine coast just north of brisbane in polystyrene boxes.. need to keep the water up and check for aphid .. otherwise no trouble and good eating. soapy water knocks the aphid '
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I had great success planting early crop of Okra in 2011. I use the Burgundy Okra which is somewhat cold tolerant (Eden Seeds). I soaked seeds in warm water for 2 hours and heated up the ground or seed tray prior to planting (clear plastic) and maintained greenhouse conditions with a portable cover (very easy low cost cover) = significant increase in propagation. I cropped and ate these for 2 months and followed up by planting green Star of David Okra. Same method produced great propagation results BUT I have a problem with these at harvest. I'm hoping someone has an answer. The Star of David sprouted the fattest Okra Ive ever seen. I thought Id managed to grow giant Okra yet no matter how short I picked them they remained too hard to eat - huge unusable crop - I only collected seeds. U guys got any answers? I will plant a late summer crop of Burgundy Okra that can survive longest into winter. Combining the use of cold tolerant and green Okra I hope to crop for 8 months a year.

- Silversurfer

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