Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

Abelmoschus esculentus : Malvaceae / the mallow family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
              S S S S S
T T               T T T
P P               P P P

(Best months for growing Okra in Australia - sub-tropical 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

11 Apr 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We are going into the wrong season now, but next season why don't you grow your own? For Melbourne - sow your seeds mid-spring so that the plants grow into summer. I have had a fantastic crop of okra this season and am still harvesting them. I have deep-frozen a whole lot of them so that I may enjoy them in winter. I am in Brisbane so that makes a big difference, but you could have a good crop as well provided you time you sowing seed/growing conditions right. Plant out about 10 - 12 plants for a good crop, since you need to freeze some as well for winter. Seeds are available at Bunnings. All the best, Bob.
17 Feb 21, Ben (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Bob, I'm in Brisbane and just planted some okra seeds. Am i to late? Not sure what is the best time to plant okra in Brisbane please? And what are the optimum months for fruiting? Thanks much
13 Apr 16, Ami (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks mate, but i dont have spaces to grow it. I think i'll just having Kiwifruit cause looks like they have similar benefit.
23 Mar 16, Geoff McGuigan (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I purchase either seeds or seedling so I can grow this versatile vegetable
24 Mar 16, Justin (Australia - temperate climate)
We bought both seeds and seedlings in Bunnings and are currentley growing Canberra Eden Seeds has interesting varieties
08 Mar 16, Bruno de ingeniis (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
i grow okra but it has developed raised pimple like spots on the fruit, can u tell me what causes this so I can deal with it thanku
29 Feb 16, anna (Australia - temperate climate)
HI i'm in victoria, austraila, i would love some okra seeds. Please send me email, so i can pass on address......thankyou regards anna
05 Jan 16, (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in the nothern cape ( douglas) i would like to know where i can get okra plant (ladys finger)?
02 Jan 16, Bennet (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Nicky, Good to heard your valuable comment. I would like to pay you a visit to get an idea how to prepare my soil for Okra back yard project. Looking forward to hearing from you. Kind Regards, Bennet
30 Dec 15, N.MADHAVAN (Australia - temperate climate)
you can get the seeds from any nursery, bunnings or reject shop
Showing 91 - 100 of 236 comments

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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.
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