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 S        
      T T T T T T      
      P P P P P P      

(Best months for growing Okra in Australia - 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 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

10 Oct 14, liz (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have some okra seeds from my friend and he told me this is a long variety. The okra are still nice and tender when they're 20 cm long. Send me a prepaid envelope and I can share these seeds. Liiiz.tw@gmail. com
17 Feb 21, Ben (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Liz, I'm wondering if you still have the seeds for the long okra to share? I've been searching online for seeds of the long okra since Dec when I was given some fresh ones from a friend and was delighted that it tasted so good. Will send a prepaid envelope when I hear back from you. Thanks again
18 Nov 14, Leeta (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
if you still have some seed available, can I please have your address so I can send you an envelope. Thank you.
24 Oct 14, Anne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can I have your address so I can send you a prepaid envelope for some seeds...I haven't had the long pods for 20 years or so and wld dearly love to grow some.Thank you.
15 Sep 14, dorothy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I am following this thread as I would like to know too, I live in Central Qld just out of Calliope area. Wooderson
15 Sep 14, Doug dobsa (Australia - tropical climate)
Where can I obtain seeds and or seedlings from I live in Central Queensland
21 Sep 14, Shannon (Australia - temperate climate)
I just bought Okra seeds online from Eden Seeds, they have a couple of varieties available. Cheers, Shannon.
11 Apr 14, Kalyanie (Australia - temperate climate)
I was so delighted to read peter's comment.I bought some from bunnings and we are unable to find long variety here in WA. Peter would you be able to send some long variety seeds for me.We used to grow them back home. Thank you .
08 Jan 15, Bev (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I went onto this thread to find the sowing times for okra and saw your question about seeds. I live in the Rockingham area and find it hard to obtain good seeds for unusual or old timer plants. I went to Fremantle to visit friends and droped into Manna Wholefoods and Cafe on South Tce. They stock Eden seeds. I bought the Okra there... but I think that Eden seeds have an online facility where you can order what you want... plus they have a lot of old fashioned varieties that are hard to find Cheers Bev
12 Mar 14, lorrie johnstone (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i grow okra on the sunshine coast just north of brisbane in polystyrene boxes.. need to keep the water up and check for aphid .. otherwise no trouble and good eating. soapy water knocks the aphid '
Showing 121 - 130 of 236 comments

The species is a perennial, often cultivated as an annual in temperate climates, and often grows to around 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall. It is related to such species as cotton, cocoa, and hibiscus. Google it if you need more info.

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