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 20°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 35 - 60 cm 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
22 Feb 22, Manjeet (Australia - temperate climate)
Recipe for okra Okra Wash and dry well, make a cut across the Okra and stuff it with a mixture of Cumin, coriander, Turmeric, chilli, and salt powders. Heat oil in a Vok and fry them till slightly brown. Best eaten with Indian Chapattis or Naan. Do give it a try!
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30 Dec 21, Hetal (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I am in Tauranga, planted okra and it's flowering this time, should I harvest before flowering or after? Waited after flowering but there is small pod which turned yellow. What is your advice?
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04 Feb 22, John Mauger (Australia - temperate climate)
You would harvest okra pods when they are about 90mm long , after the flower has finished. Getting them going as early as possible in the season is the key to a reasonable harvest in temperate climates.
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01 Jun 21, G'Day Farm (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We start seeds in early august in the green house. They need around 27C to sprout. We transplant out in late September. We have been saving our own seeds, however our first batch of seeds came from Boondie Seeds. They have heirloom seeds so they are ideal for saving. Personally I prefer the Clemson Spineless as they seem to be more prolific with pod production. The others tend to just produce amazing looking leafy plants, but not as prolific pod wise.
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23 Mar 21, Garry Moylan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where can I buy seeds and what is the best time to plant - thank you
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25 Jan 21, Taryn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I got mine from Bunnings, i I only planted about 5 plants, but they sure have produced a lot. I have another 12 i just planted, i'll do more in the next few weeks. They produce a lot in Brisbane, so if you need a lot of seeds, you may want a pack from bunnings or ebay, let the first crop go to seed, and next season you have loads of seeds to use?
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17 Feb 21, Ben (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Taryn, when did you plant your seeds? Are you harvesting the fruits already? I've just planted in couple of seeds (I'm in Brisbane). Am i to late? Ta
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13 Dec 20, Peter Widdows (Australia - temperate climate)
I want very much to get enough seeds to put on a property but I'd like to know where I can get them there are a lot of people out here who have diabetes and I've heard that the seeds are even good to eat and helps people who have diabetes so please where can I buy them
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13 Dec 20, Pete (Australia - temperate climate)
Im interested in growing the okra plant where can I get the seeds from is it true you can eat the whole plant and is there anyone growing them in Australia as produce
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01 Feb 21, Maxine dean (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I have penty of seed...send your address and I will send you some
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Showing 1 - 10 of 236 comments
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We start seeds in early august in the green house. They need around 27C to sprout. We transplant out in late September. We have been saving our own seeds, however our first batch of seeds came from Boondie Seeds. They have heirloom seeds so they are ideal for saving. Personally I prefer the Clemson Spineless as they seem to be more prolific with pod production. The others tend to just produce amazing looking leafy plants, but not as prolific pod wise.

- G'Day Farm

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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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