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

28 Feb 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Try an internet search - google or duckduckgo.com
27 Jan 19, Mrunal (Australia - temperate climate)
I had grow okra seed directly to my back yard in the soil on Dec 2018 last week but there is no any germination find out so please guide me for further perusal
03 Dec 19, Mary (Australia - temperate climate)
Okra takes 10-14 days to germinate so be patient.
29 Jan 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
You need warm weather without it being too hot. Read the above and maybe try again later this year.
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
18 Nov 18, Iman (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I moved to west Mackay last week. Where can I find Okra seeds to buy please? If ni space to plant at apartment what do you suggest ? Any farm or garden to rent a part if it? Thanks
04 Mar 19, Anna (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I got some okra seeds from the Asian Italian grocer on Shakespeare street.
01 Dec 18, Darcy (Australia - tropical climate)
theseedcollection.com I get most of my seeds from there. They are quite cheap, I paid less than $2 for a small pack of okra seeds. They are Chem/pesticide free, non GMO etc and have a good selection of heirlooms too! Or, go to the Whitsundays markets in Mackay on a Wednesday morning, buy a bag of okra & harvest the seeds from them. Maybe plant into a big pot on a wheel base so u can move it in & out depending on the weather without hurting your back :)
18 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try Boondie Seeds. I have no idea about where to grow it - rent or farm - ask around or try pots.
10 Sep 18, Andy Mafata (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can i use okra for diabetes
Showing 81 - 90 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.