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)

Your comments and tips

02 Dec 23, Mazzy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
This response is probably a bit late but laws are quite strict in Australia about importing seeds from overseas due to the risk of introducing plant diseases.
13 Dec 20, Peter Widdows (Australia - temperate climate)
Where would I be able to get the seeds to grow the okra plant from whats the best way to grow the plant and are they already being grown in Australia as a food source
18 Feb 21, Bert (Australia - temperate climate)
I got my seeds from The Reject Shop. Prevent mildew on okra plants 1 Part Milk 9 Part water 1 tsp bicarb
14 Dec 20, (Australia - temperate climate)
Internet seed selling companies. Maybe sold at capital city f &v markets. Google if commercially grown in aus.
31 Oct 20, Surinder (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Please confirm from where to get okra seeds in Hamilton
04 Nov 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
On the internet or try local gardening shops
16 Jul 20, haidar (Australia - temperate climate)
live in Melbourne Australia,when can I grow okra
16 Jul 20, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
Check this page https://www.gardenate.com/plant/Okra
26 Sep 19, Charulata Shah (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live on the Goldcoast,QLD. I planted some okra seeds about 3 weeks ago. Still no signs of germination. How long does it take to germinate?
02 Oct 19, Joey (Australia - temperate climate)
It's best to soak the seeds overnight first before sowing into seed trays. Last year I sowed the seeds straight into the garden bed and they were all gone. This year I did a bit of research and found
Showing 11 - 20 of 236 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Okra

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.