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 Mar 23, Martha Chigova (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I plant okra in March
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30 Jan 23, Sharon (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Can i grow okra year around? What variety to plant?
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01 Feb 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Not advised. Choose any variety.
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13 Oct 22, Farin Bourne (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
There are some amazing recipes of okra on YouTube for curried and fried okra
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04 Sep 22, Ted Ledbetter (USA - Zone 4b climate)
I am in zone 4b never have good luck growing my okra tried it for a few years now northern lower Michigan.any help thank you ted
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12 Sep 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 5b climate)
Did you plant it at the right time.
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15 Jul 22, Joanna (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Has anyone grown Okra in Christchurch? I bought seeds coz I'm curious about them but it doesn't look like they grow in our Temps?
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27 Jan 24, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Have had limited success growing in a greenhouse in Christchurch - poor harvest despite healthy plants
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05 Mar 23, Dave Sinclair (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
N Otago /Waitaki River. Planted 12 seeds, late Dec, 3 seedlings 2 survived. 6 pods.by 5.3.23. Yes they do grow, In Hot House, but they like 20-30 degrees cel 24 hours a day. Dave.
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29 Jul 22, Tim (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I've grown it in Chch before. It grew well (lots of vegetation) but I didn't get a very big harvest off it.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 366 comments
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Hi there My first thoughts are to do a soil test - often soils from local stores are not always as 'organic' as they could be given the health regulations and processes before sale .....organic soils need healthy bacteria - one of the vital aspects of healthy organic soil. Create your own compost or worm farm and check the pH / mineral content of your soil too.

- Sue Marler

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