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

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29 May 20, Maggie Sorrels (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Is it too late to plant okra seeds ? How long till harvest?
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17 May 20, Chuck Celestine (USA - Zone 8b climate)
it's May 16th and I'm wanting to sow some okra seeds. Has anyone had success in zone 8b? Would love some tips, for i don't have much room so I do mostly containers, but I can make space if needed. Thanks so much Chuck Celestine
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01 May 20, Bob (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Is it best to direct sow or transplant okra in 9a.
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09 May 20, Kimberly Borzillo (USA - Zone 7b climate)
direct sow....can do 2 week succession planting... okra loves hot weather and is very forgiving.
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21 Apr 20, Suresh (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I GOT A OKRA PLANT IN MY GARDEN , Grown really well and healthy and blooming a lot of buds and flowers. But the buds turns brown and falls. I need to know what's the solution for that? The plants are about three months old.
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26 Mar 21, Benny (New Zealand - temperate climate)
That's because pollination didn't happen. Manually pollinate them by taking a cotton bud, rub the pollen on the female part of the flower.
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22 Apr 20, M (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I suggest you research on the internet why they are falling off. I have never grown them.
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30 Oct 19, Ronald thivhedzani mutshweni (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is right to grow okra in November, am staying at Hagumbu village, I got water to water the plants
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13 Nov 19, anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Check the calendar at the top of the Okra page. Make sure you are using your correct climate zone.
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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?
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