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

12 Sep 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 5b climate)
Did you plant it at the right time.
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?
27 Jan 24, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Have had limited success growing in a greenhouse in Christchurch - poor harvest despite healthy plants
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.
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.
18 May 22, Janet Ann Shpak (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Soil Temps have to be pretty high for okra. Is it better to wait until late June to plant in zone 4b?
22 May 22, Christine (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Yes! Okra is a plant that came from Africa, and needs warm temps to germinate. Here is a little hint…my mother, who was raised on a farm here in Georgia, always soaked her okra seed for 12 to 24 hours in buttermilk. I have always done that as well, and it seems to help the seed sprout quicker. Water May do the same thing and be as effective, but using buttermilk may have some sort of advantage. Plus, it helps me to feel closer to my ancestors. : ). Of course, you may be able to start the seedlings indoors, depending on how many you will be planting.
22 Feb 22, Manjeet (Australia - temperate climate)
Recipe for okra Okra Wash and dry well, make a cut across the Okra and stuff it with a mixture of Cumin, coriander, Turmeric, chilli, and salt powders. Heat oil in a Vok and fry them till slightly brown. Best eaten with Indian Chapattis or Naan. Do give it a try!
30 Dec 21, Hetal (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I am in Tauranga, planted okra and it's flowering this time, should I harvest before flowering or after? Waited after flowering but there is small pod which turned yellow. What is your advice?
04 Feb 22, John Mauger (Australia - temperate climate)
You would harvest okra pods when they are about 90mm long , after the flower has finished. Getting them going as early as possible in the season is the key to a reasonable harvest in temperate climates.
Showing 11 - 20 of 361 comments

We start seeds in early august in the green house. They need around 27C to sprout. We transplant out in late September. We have been saving our own seeds, however our first batch of seeds came from Boondie Seeds. They have heirloom seeds so they are ideal for saving. Personally I prefer the Clemson Spineless as they seem to be more prolific with pod production. The others tend to just produce amazing looking leafy plants, but not as prolific pod wise.

- G'Day Farm

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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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