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

09 Mar 16, ellen van wyk (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hear very good for colesterol and diabetis
25 Aug 15, Lindie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I find okra near nigel, Gauteng?
30 Oct 15, faiz (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
hi. i ordered my seeds from stodels nurseries and they got it for me
04 Jun 15, Marilyn Coffen (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Must okra be cooked or can it be eaten as a salad ingredient?
12 Nov 15, jaxthegardener (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
it must be cooked....fried or cooked in a chutney
08 Feb 15, Sandy (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I saw okra in checkers George york street
26 Jan 15, Linda (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can i get fresh okra. East rand area
10 Aug 14, Robert Mabaso (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
H,i am in Johanesburg, where can I get Okra seeds, I need to plant it, Thanks
02 Sep 14, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I BOUGHT SOME AT THE LOCAL HYPER IN EDENVALE,
29 Aug 15, Reuben Pillay (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
You mean you bought Okra seeds at the local Hyperama in Edenvlae?
Showing 41 - 50 of 65 comments

I've grown it in Chch before. It grew well (lots of vegetation) but I didn't get a very big harvest off it.

- Tim

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.