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
T T               T T T
P P               P P P

(Best months for growing Okra in Australia - sub-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

04 Mar 19, Anna (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I got some okra seeds from the Asian Italian grocer on Shakespeare street.
01 Dec 18, Darcy (Australia - tropical climate)
theseedcollection.com I get most of my seeds from there. They are quite cheap, I paid less than $2 for a small pack of okra seeds. They are Chem/pesticide free, non GMO etc and have a good selection of heirlooms too! Or, go to the Whitsundays markets in Mackay on a Wednesday morning, buy a bag of okra & harvest the seeds from them. Maybe plant into a big pot on a wheel base so u can move it in & out depending on the weather without hurting your back :)
18 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try Boondie Seeds. I have no idea about where to grow it - rent or farm - ask around or try pots.
27 Aug 18, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Can Okra grown in the North West Tasmania with temp around low to mid 20 degrees. I enjoy your information.
28 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Most of Tassie is cool/mountain. No planting guide here - too cold probably. 20 degrees - summer/winter - day or night temp????? Google and read up about TRYING to grow in cool/cold climate.
23 Aug 18, Komal (Australia - arid climate)
Hi I l lives in NSW. Last year I planted okra. I got lots of okra, but now only stem are left. No leafs. Should I germinate seeds again or wait for leafs n flower?
24 Aug 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The species is a perennial, often cultivated as an annual in temperate climates, and often grows to around 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall. It is related to such species as cotton, cocoa, and hibiscus. Google it if you need more info.
14 Jun 18, Rae (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi I have very alkaline soils - will okra grow well enough in this. Any suggestions of what to add to keep them happy? Cheers R
15 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google - how to change alkaline soils and read up. Different ways of going about it. Chemicals - compost - manures etc.
27 Feb 18, Mohammed (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Is it too late to grow OKRA now in Sydney - Blacktown area
Showing 31 - 40 of 236 comments

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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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