Gardening Guides
Edible Gardens
Summer Crops: How to Grow Okra
Go for the gumbo with this quick-growing edible that brings colorful pods and delicate flowers to a summer garden
Okra loves the heat. It grows best when daytime temperatures reach at least 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) and nighttime temperatures don’t drop below 60 (15.5). It can handle humidity as well, making it a favorite in the South. It adds height to a usually low-lying vegetable patch, reaching 6 feet tall, and is 3 feet wide. It has delicate yellow or white flowers, some with a pinkish tinge, and long pods of green, yellow or red.
Note: Even the “spineless” okra pods have spines that can prick or scratch if you get near them, and they can also cause itching.
Note: Even the “spineless” okra pods have spines that can prick or scratch if you get near them, and they can also cause itching.
Planting and care: Choose a sunny and warm site with neutral, well-drained soil; add fertilizer to the soil before planting if needed.
You can either start seeds early or wait to plant once you have warm weather. Start seeds indoors a month to six weeks before the outdoor planting or transplanting date (see below) in biodegradable or peat pots. Many experts recommend soaking the seeds for 24 hours prior to planting for best germination. Look for unusual seeds in specialty catalogs, such as Johnny's Selected Seeds and Seed Savers Exchange.
Sow seeds outdoors once all the danger of frost has passed, nighttime temperatures have reached 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) and the soil temperature has reached 70 (21). Sow seeds 1 inch deep and about 6 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart; thin to 18 inches apart when seedlings appear. Dwarf varieties of okra will do well in a large container.
Transplant seedlings at this time as well. Okra roots are delicate, so transplant carefully. Remove the bottoms and open the sides of the pots, and place the seedlings 18 inches apart and just below the soil surface. Keep the soil most while the seeds are germinating, then allow the soil to dry out slightly. Wait to mulch until the soil is consistently warm.
Okra is not usually bothered by many pests. Depending on your location, you might have problems with aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles (row covers can help with these), mites or whiteflies. Don’t worry about ants; they aid in pollination.
Verticillium wilt and fusarium wilt can keep fruit from forming; rotate crops if these diseases or nematodes are a problem in your area. Blossom blight may be a problem in areas with high humidity.
You can either start seeds early or wait to plant once you have warm weather. Start seeds indoors a month to six weeks before the outdoor planting or transplanting date (see below) in biodegradable or peat pots. Many experts recommend soaking the seeds for 24 hours prior to planting for best germination. Look for unusual seeds in specialty catalogs, such as Johnny's Selected Seeds and Seed Savers Exchange.
Sow seeds outdoors once all the danger of frost has passed, nighttime temperatures have reached 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) and the soil temperature has reached 70 (21). Sow seeds 1 inch deep and about 6 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart; thin to 18 inches apart when seedlings appear. Dwarf varieties of okra will do well in a large container.
Transplant seedlings at this time as well. Okra roots are delicate, so transplant carefully. Remove the bottoms and open the sides of the pots, and place the seedlings 18 inches apart and just below the soil surface. Keep the soil most while the seeds are germinating, then allow the soil to dry out slightly. Wait to mulch until the soil is consistently warm.
Okra is not usually bothered by many pests. Depending on your location, you might have problems with aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles (row covers can help with these), mites or whiteflies. Don’t worry about ants; they aid in pollination.
Verticillium wilt and fusarium wilt can keep fruit from forming; rotate crops if these diseases or nematodes are a problem in your area. Blossom blight may be a problem in areas with high humidity.
Harvest: Fruit starts forming shortly after flowers appear. Though the pods can reach up to a foot in length, pick them when they are 2 to 4 inches long for the best taste. Pods should snap off, but wear gloves and protection on your arms, and use scissors or pruners to harvest. Pick often; okra grows quickly.
Days to maturity: 50 to 65
Light requirement: Full sun
Water requirement: Regular, though it can handle some drought
Favorites: Annie Oakley, Burgundy, Cajun Delight, Clemson Spineless, Dwarf Green Long Pod, Emerald, Heirloom Red, Hill Country Red, Millionaire, North-South, Red Burgandy, Silver Queen, White Velvet