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)
  • Okra on flowering plant

Raise seedlings in a similar way to capsicums - warmth is essential. Pick pods when they are about 5 - 8 cm (2 - 4 inches) long. Cut the stem below the pod with a knife. If the stem is too tough to cut then the pod is probably inedible!

Wear gloves when picking as okra are often covered in tiny irritating hairs (which disappear when cooked).

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Okra

Use pods cut or whole in soups or casseroles as a boiled vegetable, or stirfry.
Freeze uncut okra pods for using later - they'll keep for months frozen.

Your comments and tips

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.
21 Apr 20, Suresh (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I GOT A OKRA PLANT IN MY GARDEN , Grown really well and healthy and blooming a lot of buds and flowers. But the buds turns brown and falls. I need to know what's the solution for that? The plants are about three months old.
26 Mar 21, Benny (New Zealand - temperate climate)
That's because pollination didn't happen. Manually pollinate them by taking a cotton bud, rub the pollen on the female part of the flower.
22 Apr 20, M (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I suggest you research on the internet why they are falling off. I have never grown them.
14 Aug 18, Kay Patena (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Where can I get okra. I live in Hamilton New Zealand.
17 Aug 18, Jenelyn (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I bought my okra seeds from trade me but I saw okra seed selling at bunnings warehouse and ordering garden centre
15 Aug 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can buy okra seeds from any reputable online seed seller e.g. Egmont Seeds.
Showing 1 - 10 of 25 comments

That's because pollination didn't happen. Manually pollinate them by taking a cotton bud, rub the pollen on the female part of the flower.

- Benny

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