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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09 Mar 16, ellen van wyk (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hear very good for colesterol and diabetis
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25 Aug 15, Lindie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I find okra near nigel, Gauteng?
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30 Oct 15, faiz (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
hi. i ordered my seeds from stodels nurseries and they got it for me
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04 Jun 15, Marilyn Coffen (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Must okra be cooked or can it be eaten as a salad ingredient?
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12 Nov 15, jaxthegardener (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
it must be cooked....fried or cooked in a chutney
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08 Feb 15, Sandy (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I saw okra in checkers George york street
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26 Jan 15, Linda (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can i get fresh okra. East rand area
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10 Aug 14, Robert Mabaso (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
H,i am in Johanesburg, where can I get Okra seeds, I need to plant it, Thanks
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02 Sep 14, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I BOUGHT SOME AT THE LOCAL HYPER IN EDENVALE,
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29 Aug 15, Reuben Pillay (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
You mean you bought Okra seeds at the local Hyperama in Edenvlae?
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Showing 41 - 50 of 65 comments
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Even if you're not growing organic, it is absolutely life-and-death important to only use the right chemicals and only use them EXACTLY as instructed on the packet. It is illegal to do otherwise, and for good reason! Farmers are required to undergo training to legally use things that home gardeners can buy off-the-shelf. Do not be fooled into thinking that because it came from the supermarket it's safe! (The same even applies to some organic controls.) Ant dust intended for on-ground application could stay on the plant and very toxic for a very long time, whereas a chemical intended for use on EDIBLE plants would be less toxic and break down faster or wash off cleanly.

- Sam

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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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