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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02 Oct 19, Joey (Australia - temperate climate)
It's best to soak the seeds overnight first before sowing into seed trays. Last year I sowed the seeds straight into the garden bed and they were all gone. This year I did a bit of research and found
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30 Sep 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have a dig around and see if you can find any seeds or seedlings starting to shoot. You may have over watered them and they have gone rotten.
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14 Aug 19, Bhupinder (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I grown ockra now
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15 Aug 19, Gary (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have a look in PLANT NOW big green Button on Left side. ??
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15 Aug 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
If you took notice of the planting guide it says plant seeds Oct Nov - soil temp 20-35. You can plant it now but it may not germinate - soil temp is now probably 14-18 degrees.
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08 Jul 19, Sai (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I planted Okra seeds indoors late June. They are about 3-5 inches now. The weather in my 10a zone has been 50s-70s. When should I plant the seedlings in my garden bed?
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19 Nov 19, Milena (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I'm in 10b (not so huge difference), I sowed directly in a container outside, also late June and they are doing awesome :)
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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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14 Jun 19, Quincy (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Why do okra rot during flowering stage
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26 Feb 19, Russell Byers (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. Wondering whether okra is an annual,perennial or bi annual in the adelaide area and whether cold winter temps knock them back.
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Showing 71 - 80 of 366 comments
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I got mine from Bunnings, i I only planted about 5 plants, but they sure have produced a lot. I have another 12 i just planted, i'll do more in the next few weeks. They produce a lot in Brisbane, so if you need a lot of seeds, you may want a pack from bunnings or ebay, let the first crop go to seed, and next season you have loads of seeds to use?

- Taryn

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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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