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  
                    T T
                    P  

(Best months for growing Okra in Australia - temperate 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 20°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 35 - 60 cm apart
  • Harvest in 11-14 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peppers (Capsicum, Chili), Eggplant (Aubergine)

Your comments and tips

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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.
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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
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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.
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23 Mar 16, Geoff McGuigan (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I purchase either seeds or seedling so I can grow this versatile vegetable
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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
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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
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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
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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)?
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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
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30 Dec 15, N.MADHAVAN (Australia - temperate climate)
you can get the seeds from any nursery, bunnings or reject shop
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Showing 91 - 100 of 236 comments
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We start seeds in early august in the green house. They need around 27C to sprout. We transplant out in late September. We have been saving our own seeds, however our first batch of seeds came from Boondie Seeds. They have heirloom seeds so they are ideal for saving. Personally I prefer the Clemson Spineless as they seem to be more prolific with pod production. The others tend to just produce amazing looking leafy plants, but not as prolific pod wise.

- G'Day Farm

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