Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

Abelmoschus esculentus : Malvaceae / the mallow family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions

  • 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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27 Aug 18, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Can Okra grown in the North West Tasmania with temp around low to mid 20 degrees. I enjoy your information.
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28 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Most of Tassie is cool/mountain. No planting guide here - too cold probably. 20 degrees - summer/winter - day or night temp????? Google and read up about TRYING to grow in cool/cold climate.
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23 Aug 18, Komal (Australia - arid climate)
Hi I l lives in NSW. Last year I planted okra. I got lots of okra, but now only stem are left. No leafs. Should I germinate seeds again or wait for leafs n flower?
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24 Aug 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The species is a perennial, often cultivated as an annual in temperate climates, and often grows to around 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall. It is related to such species as cotton, cocoa, and hibiscus. Google it if you need more info.
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14 Aug 18, Kay Patena (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Where can I get okra. I live in Hamilton New Zealand.
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17 Aug 18, Jenelyn (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I bought my okra seeds from trade me but I saw okra seed selling at bunnings warehouse and ordering garden centre
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15 Aug 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can buy okra seeds from any reputable online seed seller e.g. Egmont Seeds.
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07 Jul 18, Nomuds (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi I like to know if you have okra leaves. I'm in Phoenix Durban and my contact number is 0713019787
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05 Jan 20, mudime eugene (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I am platting lot of Okra, In limpopo I can Supply u
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03 May 20, Andrew Motaung (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi where in Limpopo are you based ? I need okra and also want to plant okra in winter can you recommend a suitably warm area for me please my contact number is 0836284825 am Sello
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Showing 91 - 100 of 366 comments
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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

- Nkumbulo J. Ntshapha

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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. GardenGrow 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.
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