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

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06 Jul 19, Tim (USA - Zone 9a climate)
How well does okra grow with green and Roma beans and field peas?
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08 Feb 18, Kristin (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I don't think this is right. Your calendar says Okra will not grow in Miami, FL, (according to your site is 11a but USDA says 10b) But they grew and produced for me like crazy in the dead of summer. Granted I watered frequently but the heat did not faze them. And I am in Homestead, FL, 5 min from the Keys.
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14 Feb 20, Joseph Greene (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I would think being in zone 10b you could grow whatever your heart desires!
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08 Feb 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Kristin, if you check here https://www.gardenate.com/zones/#zone-US , you will find that Miami is included in both 10b and 11a. We use the USDA for our advice.
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Showing 31 - 34 of 34 comments
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I had great success planting early crop of Okra in 2011. I use the Burgundy Okra which is somewhat cold tolerant (Eden Seeds). I soaked seeds in warm water for 2 hours and heated up the ground or seed tray prior to planting (clear plastic) and maintained greenhouse conditions with a portable cover (very easy low cost cover) = significant increase in propagation. I cropped and ate these for 2 months and followed up by planting green Star of David Okra. Same method produced great propagation results BUT I have a problem with these at harvest. I'm hoping someone has an answer. The Star of David sprouted the fattest Okra Ive ever seen. I thought Id managed to grow giant Okra yet no matter how short I picked them they remained too hard to eat - huge unusable crop - I only collected seeds. U guys got any answers? I will plant a late summer crop of Burgundy Okra that can survive longest into winter. Combining the use of cold tolerant and green Okra I hope to crop for 8 months a year.

- Silversurfer

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