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

01 Dec 10, Helen (Australia - arid climate)
No, it is quite a woody plant and will support itself if sown at the recommended spacing. I usually sow a double staggered row and end up with a sort of hedge. I find that in arid conditions the pods go tough very quickly so you have to pick them daily - although it might be a different story this season with all our recent rain.
27 Oct 10, (Australia - arid climate)
You can get Okra seeds from Eden Seeds
25 Oct 10, salah yacoub (Australia - temperate climate)
what best area in victoria to grew okra warm in my understanding
20 Oct 10, Mark (Australia - temperate climate)
Try green harvest in old. I got some a few months ago. Trying my first okra this summer? Any tips?
08 Oct 10, Dana (Australia - temperate climate)
I grew okra very successfully last summer and loved it. I would like to plant it again but can't find the seeds. Does anyone have a source? I tried Diggers but they don't have it listed.
09 Jan 11, Jantina (Australia - temperate climate)
I am a new comer to okra but i did buy the seedling from Magna Mart in Canberra
17 Oct 10, Josh (Australia - temperate climate)
Okra seeds can be ordered from "The Lost Seed" (google it as I can not post the link here unfortunately - should be the first result and it is an Australian site.) I'm planting them for the first time this year - I love okra and I hope it works successfully!
21 Oct 10, Fred (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I just bought a packet of OKRA seeds from the REJECT SHOP. The D.T. BROWN packet of 50 seeds cost A$1.50 only cheers
03 Sep 10, Mohan (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the right type of soil, I mean the pH for growing OKRA
24 Apr 20, Madut Liai (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in Cranbourne East Victoria_ Melbourne Australia. I would like to grow up okra is our family favor food would you please help me to have a plan in my backyard. Thank you Madut Liai
Showing 321 - 330 of 366 comments

Try a search on-line for 'seed suppliers'

- Liz

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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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