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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12 Jan 12, Aju (Australia - temperate climate)
Have planted 6 okra plants in the veggie patch in Perth and they have started fruiting with one or two pods per plant whilst they are about 12 cms high. So far so good and have read that i need to hang on till they are about 40 cms high before they really take off. What do we do over winter months in Perth? Are they hardy enough to just let them be and will they survive or do we need to do something to protect them in the open during winter? I'd like to try and keep them through the winter season and see them growing big. Thanks in advance for your suggestions
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19 Feb 12, -Sydney (Australia - temperate climate)
Have you had any issues with bugs i.e caterpillars etc. I have 8 plants and they are around 3 months old, however largely affected by bugs, even the fruits. Any suggestions? Cheers
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27 Dec 11, koyo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
where can i get okra seeds to buy in australia. Regards, Koyo.
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13 Oct 12, Claudette (Australia - temperate climate)
4seasonsseeds.com.au this was recommended to me which seems good quality seeds they sells ...
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18 Jan 12, jossey (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought okra seeds from Bunnings warehouse. good luck
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03 Dec 11, Hank (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What markets on the north coast of NSW are selling okra. Australia just doesn't know about okra! :)
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02 Dec 11, Marlene (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I purchase okra seeds in Perth.Can't import them due to restrictions.
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30 Dec 11, julie (Australia - temperate climate)
Eden seeds in Queensland.
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03 Dec 11, John G (Australia - temperate climate)
Got mine from bunnings. Soaked them in wet tissues in door for abt 4-5 days for the seeds to swell. Plant the seeds in garden bed or seed trays in sunny position and keep moist. I was told ocra loves sun light. The hotternthe better.
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10 Dec 11, Marlene (Australia - arid climate)
Do you know anyone in Perth who is willing to share a few okra seeds.Buntings doesn't have any.I am also looking for bitter gourd also known as karela.
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Showing 161 - 170 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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