Okra Garden Guide

Okra Stat Summary

Plant Spacing: 12-24" (304-609 mm)
Row Spacing: 12-24" (304-609 mm)
Planting Depth: 1/4" (6 mm)
Plants Per Person: 2
Soil Temperature: 75-90°F (24-32°C)
Days to Emergence: 7-15
Recommended Soil PH:
Seed Indoors: 3-5 weeks before transplanting
Earliest Outdoor Planting: After Last Frost
Can direct seed outdoors
Can seed indoors

Planting Okra

Prefers fertile, well-drained composted soil in full sun; needs moisture and warmth to thrive. You can direct sow outdoors about 7 to 10 days after the date of the last frost or start indoors 3 to 4 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow the large seed 1/4 inch deep into 3 inch pots; transplant to garden after danger of frost.

Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep in hills 12 to 24 inches apart. When the seedlings are 3 inches tall, thin all but the one strongest plant per hill. Soak the seeds in warm water (110 degrees F) for 1 hour or longer to accelerate germination.

Growing Okra

When the seedlings are 3 inches tall, thin all but the one strongest plant per hill. Keep weeds down around plants.

Harvesting and Storing Okra

The pods should be picked while they are tender and immature (2 to 3 inches long); use pruning shears to avoid harming the rest of the plant. Daily harvest will increase overall yields. Wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to avoid plant prickles while harvesting. Use pods the day they are picked or store at 45-50 degree F with high humidity.

Okra Insect and Disease Information

Aphids, cabbage worms and flea beetles can be a pest; help control with row covers or application of a vegetable appropriate insecticide if necessary. Okra is susceptible to several fungal diseases in wet weather. These can be controlled with crop rotation and good garden sanitation practices.

Okra Yield Information

No yield information for Okra.