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

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11 Jul 17, Gary Alexander (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi , I live in Cairns ,where can I buy okra ? Many Thanks
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15 Jul 17, Sam (Australia - tropical climate)
At Rusty's
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14 Jul 17, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Seed is readily available from seed companies like The Seed Collection, Greepatch, Eden Seeds, Green Harvest, etc. I think Yates also have it
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27 May 17, Anne (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I live in Bathurst NSW when would I plant okra
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29 May 17, Sean (Australia - temperate climate)
Okra likes a hotter season and could be planted from October as seed in a seed bed and from later in November as plants. Don't plant after the end of the year as there won't be enough season left to grow and harvest them.
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16 May 17, Chris Jacobson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I started growing from seed then it severely eaten by ? what do I do
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17 May 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)
If it is a chewing pest such as caterpillars you could spray with Natures Way Caterpillar Killer. This is an organic, natural spray that is harmless to birds, animals, us, etc and is effective against caterpillars. If they are only small plants it could be cutworms that live just below the soil surface.
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30 Mar 17, Akbar Ally (Australia - temperate climate)
Is ocra leaves edible? How do you cook same?
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30 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Okra leaves are edible. the young leaves can be used like spinach, both raw and cooked. The leaves are low in minerals and nutrients but contain good amounts of insoluble fibre which is good for digestion.
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19 Mar 17, (Australia - temperate climate)
First time growing okra. plants about 15 cm tall but seem spindly.New leaves and growing.Do they need staking?Howhigh do they grow?
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Is it too late to sow okra seed in Adelaide?

- Anette

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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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