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 20°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 35 - 60 cm apart
  • Harvest in 11-14 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peppers (Capsicum, Chili), Eggplant (Aubergine)

Your comments and tips

15 Feb 18, Hosheder (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I want to buy some okra seeds. Where can I buy them?
01 Nov 23, Prakash Chandra (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try internet Bunnings and other places have seeds as November is here it’s planting time .Cheaper to plant Seedlings .plenty of plants Seedlings sold in Auckland markets
27 Mar 18, mark (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I buy my okra seeds from bunnings in Hamilton.
23 Feb 18, Larry Grigson (New Zealand - temperate climate)
just noticed an okra pod seeds germinated inside the pod.. in the friidge .... planted out now
15 Feb 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try a search on-line for 'seed suppliers'
09 Jan 18, David (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have a new glasshouse and wonder whether I will be able to grow okra in this. Any tips? thanks
04 Oct 17, David Reade (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Source of seeds, young plants in Wellington? And how wet and wind tolerant are they?
22 Nov 17, InWelly (New Zealand - temperate climate)
seeds at Bunnings Mitre10 etc germinate easy inside so far no successful transplants tho
07 Oct 17, Julia (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
seeds available online from various sellers and all post nz wide :)
09 Jun 17, Dale (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
...can you tell me what time of the year is suitable for planting okra ..
Showing 11 - 20 of 25 comments

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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