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)
  • Okra on flowering plant

Raise seedlings in a similar way to capsicums - warmth is essential. Pick pods when they are about 5 - 8 cm (2 - 4 inches) long. Cut the stem below the pod with a knife. If the stem is too tough to cut then the pod is probably inedible!

Wear gloves when picking as okra are often covered in tiny irritating hairs (which disappear when cooked).

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Okra

Use pods cut or whole in soups or casseroles as a boiled vegetable, or stirfry.
Freeze uncut okra pods for using later - they'll keep for months frozen.

Your comments and tips

08 Feb 18, Kristin (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I don't think this is right. Your calendar says Okra will not grow in Miami, FL, (according to your site is 11a but USDA says 10b) But they grew and produced for me like crazy in the dead of summer. Granted I watered frequently but the heat did not faze them. And I am in Homestead, FL, 5 min from the Keys.
08 Feb 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Kristin, if you check here https://www.gardenate.com/zones/#zone-US , you will find that Miami is included in both 10b and 11a. We use the USDA for our advice.
14 Feb 20, Joseph Greene (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I would think being in zone 10b you could grow whatever your heart desires!
06 Jul 19, Tim (USA - Zone 9a climate)
How well does okra grow with green and Roma beans and field peas?
08 Jul 19, Sai (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I planted Okra seeds indoors late June. They are about 3-5 inches now. The weather in my 10a zone has been 50s-70s. When should I plant the seedlings in my garden bed?
19 Nov 19, Milena (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I'm in 10b (not so huge difference), I sowed directly in a container outside, also late June and they are doing awesome :)
01 May 20, Bob (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Is it best to direct sow or transplant okra in 9a.
09 May 20, Kimberly Borzillo (USA - Zone 7b climate)
direct sow....can do 2 week succession planting... okra loves hot weather and is very forgiving.
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
29 May 20, Maggie Sorrels (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Is it too late to plant okra seeds ? How long till harvest?
Showing 1 - 10 of 33 comments

I'm in 10b (not so huge difference), I sowed directly in a container outside, also late June and they are doing awesome :)

- Milena

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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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