Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

Abelmoschus esculentus : Malvaceae / the mallow family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
P P                   P

(Best months for growing Okra in South Africa - Summer rainfall regions)

  • 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)

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
25 Jun 20, Hope Livingstone (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can okra grow in winter if so in which areas
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26 Jun 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Go the okra page. Then I suggest you go through all the different climate zones for south Africa and see if it says plant in winter.
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30 Oct 19, Ronald thivhedzani mutshweni (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is right to grow okra in November, am staying at Hagumbu village, I got water to water the plants
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13 Nov 19, anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Check the calendar at the top of the Okra page. Make sure you are using your correct climate zone.
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14 Jun 19, Quincy (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Why do okra rot during flowering stage
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24 Dec 18, Nkumbulo J. Ntshapha (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
As we are approaching the month of January, is it the right time for Okra? I'm in SA in KZN south coast. Thanking you in anticipation
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10 Sep 18, Andy Mafata (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can i use okra for diabetes
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07 Jul 18, Nomuds (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi I like to know if you have okra leaves. I'm in Phoenix Durban and my contact number is 0713019787
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05 Jan 20, mudime eugene (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I am platting lot of Okra, In limpopo I can Supply u
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03 May 20, Andrew Motaung (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi where in Limpopo are you based ? I need okra and also want to plant okra in winter can you recommend a suitably warm area for me please my contact number is 0836284825 am Sello
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Showing 11 - 20 of 65 comments
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Can you please tell me where I can find this vegetable to try and also the seed to plant. On the Gold Coast thanks

- Kathy Lather

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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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