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 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

21 Mar 14, vuyiswa (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where can i get lady finger in port elizabeth south africa
18 Mar 14, sum (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
where can i buy dried Okra or Ladys finger in South Africa. Eastern Cape. URGENT please
12 Mar 14, lorrie johnstone (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i grow okra on the sunshine coast just north of brisbane in polystyrene boxes.. need to keep the water up and check for aphid .. otherwise no trouble and good eating. soapy water knocks the aphid '
10 Feb 14, phuong le (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a problem with the okras that I am growing. the leaves are going yellow, drying off then it drops off from the bottom and slowly moving up to the tip and eventually die. The seeds that I got are from seed producing companies so I can't be the seeds that cause the disease. Can you reply ASAP. Also if I want to avoid this type of disease in the future , what can I do?
28 Aug 14, (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
You are in temperate zone.the cool wind might cause the yellow color of the leaves.are you familiar with fine sand or silt near the river?it is good medium for okra especially when you combine with it portion of organic fertilizer. I think in temperate zone, sowing is done during spring .seed is sown in small plastic pot inside the greenn house or beside the window.transplanting will be done wheen temp. Is around 23 C.some soil has high toxin especially the heavy soils.by replacing part of this with clay loam or fine river sand,okra and other plants will develop good root systems that aid their normal growth and fruit development.
03 Mar 14, Peter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello. Where do you live or am I missing something? I have grown Okra for many years and I find that they like full sun. I use pelletized chook poo as a fertlizer. I used to grow the commercially available seed from seed suppliers but now I grow the really long variety. I got the seed from my Indian neighbour. I never have trouble as you describe. My soil is built up with a high organic content and is well drained. We live just North of Brisbane and I plant from first October through to end of February at monthly intervals. I plant about 15 plants at a time as that suits my bed availability and bed size. We love Okra and can never have too many. Now I have probably not solved you problem but rather shared my successful methods. Aphid are your worst enemy as they suck the flowers. Caterpillars eat the leaves and curl them up. Hope this helps.... Peter
17 Feb 21, Ben (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Peter, I'm in Brisbane, and have been searching everywhere for the long okra variety. Would you have any seeds to spare? If yes, I could send a prepaid envelope. Many thanks
18 Nov 14, Leeta (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Peter, I would love to try growing the long variety of okra, do you have any seed you could spare?
29 Jan 14, Loraine (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Good day. I'm staying in Vanderbijlpark and want to know were can i find the seed or the plant. I read in a article that you can use it for diabetes. Thank you Loraine Schepers
29 Apr 14, steven molemi (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Please I need Okra for my diabetic problem and medication is no long responding to the body please live in Johannesburg region where can I find Okra?
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