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 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
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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08 Jul 20, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can I sow okra around August
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05 Jul 20, Mairlyn (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Is early July too late to sow okra in zone 8a (Virginia)? (www.gardenate.com/plant/Okra?zone=13)
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07 Jul 20, Matt Holloway (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Nope, get em in the ground!
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25 Jun 20, Hope Livingstone (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can okra grow in winter if so in which areas
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26 Jun 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Go the okra page. Then I suggest you go through all the different climate zones for south Africa and see if it says plant in winter.
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29 May 20, Maggie Sorrels (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Is it too late to plant okra seeds ? How long till harvest?
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17 May 20, Chuck Celestine (USA - Zone 8b climate)
it's May 16th and I'm wanting to sow some okra seeds. Has anyone had success in zone 8b? Would love some tips, for i don't have much room so I do mostly containers, but I can make space if needed. Thanks so much Chuck Celestine
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01 May 20, Bob (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Is it best to direct sow or transplant okra in 9a.
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Showing 51 - 60 of 363 comments
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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.

- Sean

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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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