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

30 Sep 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have a dig around and see if you can find any seeds or seedlings starting to shoot. You may have over watered them and they have gone rotten.
14 Aug 19, Bhupinder (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I grown ockra now
15 Aug 19, Gary (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have a look in PLANT NOW big green Button on Left side. ??
15 Aug 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
If you took notice of the planting guide it says plant seeds Oct Nov - soil temp 20-35. You can plant it now but it may not germinate - soil temp is now probably 14-18 degrees.
26 Feb 19, Russell Byers (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. Wondering whether okra is an annual,perennial or bi annual in the adelaide area and whether cold winter temps knock them back.
28 Feb 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Try an internet search - google or duckduckgo.com
27 Jan 19, Mrunal (Australia - temperate climate)
I had grow okra seed directly to my back yard in the soil on Dec 2018 last week but there is no any germination find out so please guide me for further perusal
03 Dec 19, Mary (Australia - temperate climate)
Okra takes 10-14 days to germinate so be patient.
29 Jan 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
You need warm weather without it being too hot. Read the above and maybe try again later this year.
18 Nov 18, Iman (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I moved to west Mackay last week. Where can I find Okra seeds to buy please? If ni space to plant at apartment what do you suggest ? Any farm or garden to rent a part if it? Thanks
Showing 21 - 30 of 236 comments

Google - how to change alkaline soils and read up. Different ways of going about it. Chemicals - compost - manures etc.

- Mike L

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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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