Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Moderate
- Grown as
- Annual
- Days to Maturity
- 55-60 (Spring/Summer)
- Growing Habit
- Bush
- Hardiness
- Tender
Okra is heat loving and can't stand any cold whatsoever (minimum air temperature 75 degrees F).
- Crops
- Spring Transplant, Summer
- Growing Season
- Short, Long
- Cultivar Type
- -
- Growing Conditions
- Warm, Hot
Okra is heat loving. Sow seeds outside in spring after all danger of frost has passed, when the soil temperature has reached 70 degrees F. It's a good succession plant after early, spring-maturing crops. Expect good yields on this nearly 7 foot tall, bushy plant.
If the growing season is short, you might use cloches or black plastic to warm the soil.
- Outdoor Growing Temp
- 65°F - 95°F
- Min Outdoor Soil Temp
- 60°F
The soil should be warm before you plant (60˚F minimum) or it will rot in cold soil. Plant seeds 1/2" in cool soil and 1" deep in warm soil.
- Start Indoors
- Yes
- Start Outdoors
- Yes
- Light
- Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot)
Okra is a tropical plant and needs full sun
- Water
- High
Okra must have a steady supply of water at all times. It shouldn't be too wet, however, as the plants are prone to fungus diseases when growing in cool moist conditions.
- Feeder
- Heavy
Okra is a hungry plant and needs plenty of nutrients for best growth (it especially loves nitrogen). If your soil isn't very fertile give them a liquid feed every 2 to 3 weeks.
- Suitability
- High heat, Needs lots of space
- Small Gardens?
- No
- Containers?
- No
- Attracts beneficial insects?
- No
- Color
- Green
- Fruit Size
- 4.0 - 7.0"
- Plant Height
- 72.0 - 96.0"
- Plant Diameter
- 12.0 - 18.0"
- Hardiness Zone
- 6-11
- Disease Resistance
- Taste Profile
- Rotation Group
- Fruits: Solanaceae + Cucurbits