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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18 Aug 20, (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Give it a try if you like. Look at your local conditions. They require warm/hot conditions by the look of it. If you don't produce a good crop then next year plant earlier as they suggest here.
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16 Jul 20, haidar (Australia - temperate climate)
live in Melbourne Australia,when can I grow okra
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16 Jul 20, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
Check this page https://www.gardenate.com/plant/Okra
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12 Jul 20, Jean (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi there when can i plant my okra? Wil it be fine to start planting in August?
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13 Jul 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Read the planting time guide for your climate zone.
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08 Jul 20, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can I sow okra around August
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05 Jul 20, Mairlyn (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Is early July too late to sow okra in zone 8a (Virginia)? (www.gardenate.com/plant/Okra?zone=13)
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07 Jul 20, Matt Holloway (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Nope, get em in the ground!
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25 Jun 20, Hope Livingstone (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Can okra grow in winter if so in which areas
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26 Jun 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Go the okra page. Then I suggest you go through all the different climate zones for south Africa and see if it says plant in winter.
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Showing 51 - 60 of 366 comments
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Usually I find plants at local markets, otherwise have to start from seed. Yates, Kings and Egmont have okra seeds of various types. The last lot of plants I bought were from a grower in Rama Rama, which is considerably further south than here, but much flatter and further from the sea so their climate can be quite dry and hot. I've never seen okra sold as plants or seedlings at generic garden centres. This may be because I live in urban Auckland and the weather is borderline for growing okra - first sign of coldness and they halt and sometimes never start growing again. Humid conditions can also attract powdery mildew here.

- Lee

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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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