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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03 Jan 11, Katie S (Australia - temperate climate)
We planted okra seeds into seedling trays in sept 2010. Now that they are in the ground and about knee height maybe 50cm they are producing fruit. We are unsure as to whether to take off some of the lower leaves and buds or just leave it all on there. The plants just dont seem to look right. But as we are beginners with okra we're not sure. Any feedback would be appreciated. Also do ants eating the flowers cause the pods to be bent?
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31 Dec 10, Patricia (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I live in WA is it too late to plant Okra seed now Jan 2011 Thankyou
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27 Nov 10, Nicole (Australia - arid climate)
does okra need trellissing? Thank you!
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02 Dec 10, Sam (Australia - arid climate)
A Google image search shows Okra without trellises. The Queensland DPI speaks of Okra farmed in raised-bed farming systems and doesn't mention trellises or other supports. Okra is used in Southern USA cooking both for flavour and because it naturally thickens soups.
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01 Dec 10, Helen (Australia - arid climate)
No, it is quite a woody plant and will support itself if sown at the recommended spacing. I usually sow a double staggered row and end up with a sort of hedge. I find that in arid conditions the pods go tough very quickly so you have to pick them daily - although it might be a different story this season with all our recent rain.
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27 Oct 10, (Australia - arid climate)
You can get Okra seeds from Eden Seeds
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25 Oct 10, salah yacoub (Australia - temperate climate)
what best area in victoria to grew okra warm in my understanding
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08 Oct 10, Dana (Australia - temperate climate)
I grew okra very successfully last summer and loved it. I would like to plant it again but can't find the seeds. Does anyone have a source? I tried Diggers but they don't have it listed.
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09 Jan 11, Jantina (Australia - temperate climate)
I am a new comer to okra but i did buy the seedling from Magna Mart in Canberra
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17 Oct 10, Josh (Australia - temperate climate)
Okra seeds can be ordered from "The Lost Seed" (google it as I can not post the link here unfortunately - should be the first result and it is an Australian site.) I'm planting them for the first time this year - I love okra and I hope it works successfully!
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Showing 191 - 200 of 236 comments
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I got mine from Bunnings, i I only planted about 5 plants, but they sure have produced a lot. I have another 12 i just planted, i'll do more in the next few weeks. They produce a lot in Brisbane, so if you need a lot of seeds, you may want a pack from bunnings or ebay, let the first crop go to seed, and next season you have loads of seeds to use?

- Taryn

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