Planting, Growing, And Harvesting Okra - The Old Farmer's Almanac

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Okra needs full sun and hot weather with evening temperatures that are in the 60°s (Fahrenheit) or warmer. Soil needs to be fertile and well-draining, with a neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Before planting, mix aged manure and/or compost into the soil.

When to Plant Okra

  • Sow okra directly into the garden 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date and cover the plants with a 2- to 3-foot-high cold frame or grow tunnel until the weather warms up fully. Make sure that the covering is this high so that plants have room to grow. Or, to direct -sow okra seeds without any protection from the cold, wait until the soil is 65° to 75°F.
  • Where summers are short, especially in more northern areas, start okra seeds indoors in peat pots under full light 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost.

How to Plant Okra

Okra’s BB-pellet-sized seeds have a hard shell. To speed germination, soak seeds for a few hours in warm water before sowing.

  • Plant okra seeds about 1/2 to 1 inch deep and 12 to 18 inches apart in a row. You can soak the seeds overnight in tepid water to help speed up germination.
  • If you are planting okra transplants, be sure to space them 1 to 2 feet apart to give them ample room to grow.
  • Okra plants are tall, so space out the rows 3 to 4 feet apart.

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