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

27 Jul 11, sophie martin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I bought mine off ebay.
26 Jun 11, Bandu (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Please let me know where to purchase Okra seeds inSunshine Coast.
17 Dec 14, Roy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Bandu, Give Green Harvest a call they are in Maleny, Tel. No.54352699
18 May 11, Gnana (Australia - tropical climate)
My Okra plants are bearing good fruits, but, no leaves at all. The leaves come and get a white patch, after which they become dark colored and shed. Suspecting some fungi. Any idea? thanks in advance.
03 May 11, cath (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Razak, Did anyone reply to you regarding the Okra? I have the same question. My plants are quite tall and they flower well. Got only six Okras from four plants. Do I leave it for next year or pull it out?
26 Apr 11, Razak (Australia - temperate climate)
Our okra gets lots of sun planted in late dec. Growing massively well but no fruits after flowering. My partner insists on leaving them for next season I believe they will not produce any longer after a few months. Please help us settle this dispute!
12 May 11, Minoli (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Razak Did you use seeds or plants? Tyr to get good seeds. Try to get a good dried long okra for seeds...from the vegi grower..... Best time to plant soaked seeds straight on vegi patch is around early December and will grow well in summer.....potty mix is sufficient ..home made compost is also good. Good luck!
13 Apr 11, Diana-Adelaide (Australia - temperate climate)
I had the same problem. Ants are actually helping those pests to live happily on that plant. If you found some ladybirds, transfer them to your okra plant. A few week later you will see this pests gone from the aid of these ladybirds.
12 Apr 11, gai (Australia - temperate climate)
First time grower of okra. Lots of ants crawling around the plants and on the under surface of the leaves and around the okra fruit there are heaps of black and white spots.What can be done to get rid of them what ever pests they are? Thanks
28 Aug 12, Ants (Australia - temperate climate)
Lemon essential oil is available at a lot of chemists. Put droplets of it around your patch (not in it- around it) every two weeks or after it rains to deter aunts. Alternatively you can put out lemon peels.
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