How to grow okra
Thrives in heat. Pick pods at 2–4 inches every day or two; they toughen fast.
Spacing1 per square foot
Plant out3 weeks after your last spring frost
Days to harvest55–65
FrostKilled by frost
HowSow directly in the garden
Family Companion flowers
Rotation and family
Okra belongs to the companion flowers (various). Draw pollinators and hoverflies; nasturtiums act as aphid decoys.
It can fill gaps in any bed of your rotation.
When to plant okra by zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow / plant out |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Apr 22 – May 6 | Jun 10 – Jul 1 |
| 4 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| 5 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 | May 21 – Jun 11 |
| 6 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| 7 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| 8 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| 9 | Jan 25 – Feb 8 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| 10 | Jan 4 – Jan 18 | Feb 22 – Mar 15 |
Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.
Okra questions
When should I plant okra?
Plant okra outdoors 3 weeks after your last spring frost. Start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before your last frost.
How far apart should I plant okra?
About 12 inches apart, or 1 per square foot in a square foot garden.
What grows well with okra?
Traditional companions include cucumber, eggplant, melon, pepper.
How long does okra take to grow?
Typically 55–65 days from sowing to first harvest, depending on variety and weather.