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 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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13 Nov 11, Darryl (Australia - temperate climate)
Will okra grow well in southern Tasmania?
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14 Nov 11, Chris (Australia - arid climate)
It will be a challenge. Okra needs a long hot growing season (best in tropical/sub-tropical QLD, southern US)
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06 Nov 11, Reg (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello, i planted seeds in a small seedling tray, its already been 5 weeks and nothins is happening please help
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13 Nov 11, Wauker (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted some 6 seeds (Fothergill) straight into the ground with a skewer next to them and they have all come up. Placed some of tha torange netting (from bag of oranges) over them to stop the birds and then snail bait. They'll all coming along fine.
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27 Jul 11, sophie martin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I bought mine off ebay.
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26 Jun 11, Bandu (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Please let me know where to purchase Okra seeds inSunshine Coast.
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17 Dec 14, Roy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Bandu, Give Green Harvest a call they are in Maleny, Tel. No.54352699
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18 May 11, Gnana (Australia - tropical climate)
My Okra plants are bearing good fruits, but, no leaves at all. The leaves come and get a white patch, after which they become dark colored and shed. Suspecting some fungi. Any idea? thanks in advance.
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03 May 11, cath (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Razak, Did anyone reply to you regarding the Okra? I have the same question. My plants are quite tall and they flower well. Got only six Okras from four plants. Do I leave it for next year or pull it out?
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26 Apr 11, Razak (Australia - temperate climate)
Our okra gets lots of sun planted in late dec. Growing massively well but no fruits after flowering. My partner insists on leaving them for next season I believe they will not produce any longer after a few months. Please help us settle this dispute!
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Showing 171 - 180 of 236 comments
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Hi Taryn, when did you plant your seeds? Are you harvesting the fruits already? I've just planted in couple of seeds (I'm in Brisbane). Am i to late? Ta

- Ben

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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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