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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28 Sep 20, Lynn (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi I planted Okra in August and nothing came up. Was it perhaps to cold?
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29 Sep 20, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
The planting guide at the top of the page says to plant Oct to Feb, the reason probably is the soil temp. It needs warmer soil temp to germinate. Why because it is a summer crop NOT a winter crop.
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16 Aug 20, Rachelle Brunetta (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I am in San Diego zone 10b, is it too late to plant okra in mid August ? (Gardenate : Check here www.gardenate.com/plant/Okra?zone=100 )
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09 Sep 20, Sandra (USA - Zone 10b climate)
You can continue to plant okra so long as your weather stays warm to hot, so I just planted out 3 plants about two inches tall, they should produce until it’s too cold for them, they may live through the cold and maybe not. But do plant them where they get full sun all day whether the weather is cold or hot, they tolerate drought, very tough plant. Freeze anything you don’t eat right away. Pick often to produce more.
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22 Aug 20, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Hi! I'm also in San Diego 10b. Sometimes my okra makes it all the way through the winter and sometimes it doesn't (same with my eggplants), as they're both perennials that hate frost. So much of it is luck--or where they're planted in the yard. If they're near my South wall they always make it. I say give it a shot! They'll grow FAST at first, much faster than when planted in March. You'll get a small harvest in November, and then the plants will not grow much until the weather warms back up in Feb/March, if they make it. I suggest cutting them to 1-2 feet tall in late November and covering them with garden fleece anytime light frost is threatened. If they survive the winter they'll come back in a bushier form and you'll be way ahead for next year.
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18 Aug 20, (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Give it a try if you like. Look at your local conditions. They require warm/hot conditions by the look of it. If you don't produce a good crop then next year plant earlier as they suggest here.
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16 Jul 20, haidar (Australia - temperate climate)
live in Melbourne Australia,when can I grow okra
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16 Jul 20, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
Check this page https://www.gardenate.com/plant/Okra
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12 Jul 20, Jean (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi there when can i plant my okra? Wil it be fine to start planting in August?
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13 Jul 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Read the planting time guide for your climate zone.
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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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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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