Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

Abelmoschus esculentus : Malvaceae / the mallow family

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

(Best months for growing Okra in USA - Zone 5a 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 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Okra leaves are edible. the young leaves can be used like spinach, both raw and cooked. The leaves are low in minerals and nutrients but contain good amounts of insoluble fibre which is good for digestion.
19 Mar 17, (Australia - temperate climate)
First time growing okra. plants about 15 cm tall but seem spindly.New leaves and growing.Do they need staking?Howhigh do they grow?
20 Mar 17, mick cunningham (Australia - arid climate)
I grow them in Newcastle and they grew spindley I didn't realise until I grew them here in Tamworth it must have been lack of sunshine as here shorter more dense and prolific fruit. Possibly sunshine is issue
20 Mar 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)
I have had Okra plants 2 metres high. They were in a block and were unstaked
19 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Okra needs a long hot season to perform at its best. I planted it one time in January and there just wasn't enough season left. The plants were flowering and I did get a few but the main crop didn't grow and ripen because the weather had cooled down. try planting the seed in small pots earlier so that they can be planted out in late October or early November to achieve a long growing season. In the southern states the soil temperature often doesn't reach 15-17 degrees till about then.
05 Feb 17, John droppers (Australia - temperate climate)
How to cook it is have tried it it seems to be guey slimey
09 Feb 17, David (Australia - temperate climate)
How to Cook Okra Without the Sliminess: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F39BHPwfBfo
06 Feb 17, Flo (Australia - temperate climate)
It is always slimy when boiled or steamed. It is often used in curries etc, masks the sliminess a bit.
06 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I have worked in a community garden with South Sudanese and they use okra in stews as it is to create a thickening effect. They also say that it is soothing for gastric problems. A lot of people say to soak it in vinegar for half an hour then pat dry and cook. Trust this helps.
20 Jan 17, lucy (Australia - temperate climate)
I have been trying to grow an Okra plant many times &I'm very devastated when it's time of flowering, it seems, ants attract the flower ,ended up no produce at the end...what is the best advise u can share & give???& what organic fertilizer best2 okra...thanks
Showing 161 - 170 of 366 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.