Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

Abelmoschus esculentus : Malvaceae / the mallow family

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

(Best months for growing Okra in USA - Zone 5a 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

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02 Dec 23, Mazzy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
This response is probably a bit late but laws are quite strict in Australia about importing seeds from overseas due to the risk of introducing plant diseases.
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13 Dec 20, Peter Widdows (Australia - temperate climate)
Where would I be able to get the seeds to grow the okra plant from whats the best way to grow the plant and are they already being grown in Australia as a food source
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18 Feb 21, Bert (Australia - temperate climate)
I got my seeds from The Reject Shop. Prevent mildew on okra plants 1 Part Milk 9 Part water 1 tsp bicarb
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14 Dec 20, (Australia - temperate climate)
Internet seed selling companies. Maybe sold at capital city f &v markets. Google if commercially grown in aus.
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31 Oct 20, Surinder (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Please confirm from where to get okra seeds in Hamilton
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04 Nov 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
On the internet or try local gardening shops
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29 Oct 20, John Phuravhathu (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
How many seeds per hole for okra.
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30 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Each 30-60cm plant two seeds about 10cm apart. About 3 weeks after germination pull out the weaker plant or transplant to where maybe none germinated. Don't put 2-3 seeds in each hole.
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29 Sep 20, THUSO (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I stay in kimberley (south africa) where can i get okro?
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30 Sep 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try seed selling companies on the internet.
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Showing 31 - 40 of 361 comments
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Is it advisable to cover the soil with black plastic. Right now it's about 18c but in a few weeks we'll expect 25-35c and up to around 40c at summers peak. Also I wanted to find out if it might be trying to grow okra in tubs, your advice greatly appreciated, thanks Gary

- Gary

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