How to Grow Okra: Planting, Spacing, Care & Harvest

Quick answer

Direct sow after soil warms to about 65°F — 2–3 weeks after last frost (UMD). For earlier harvest, start indoors 5–6 weeks before all danger of frost has passed. Harvest 2- to 4-inch pods every few days. Scratch or soak hard seed coats before sowing (UMD).

Okra pods on the plant (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Wilfredor, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons · source · license

Okra at a glance

PlantStart indoors: 6–5 wk before last frost; Direct sow: 2–3 wk after last frost
SunFull sun; warm soil; somewhat drought tolerant once established; mulch for moisture (UMD).
SpacingUMD: space 12–18 inches in the row and 36–48 inches between rows.
Days to harvest55–60 days from direct seeding (Missouri Extension); 60–70 days (Clemson); 50–60 days from transplants (UMD)
-7-6-5-4-3-2-1LF+1+2+3+4
■ Start indoors   ■ Plant out   ■ Harvest
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Updated

Planting dates for your ZIP: the ZIP planting planner counts each window from your local frost dates.

Organic pests and diseases: see also organic pest control. Use any product as the label directs.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) — very tender warm-season annual. Wear gloves; plants are often spiny (UMD).

Okra pods on the plant
Okra pods on the plant. Photo: Wilfredor, Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (resized).

Planting timing

UMD: “Sow seed outdoors after the soil has warmed to 65°F. (2-3 weeks after the last frost).” “For an earlier harvest, sow seed indoors 5-6 weeks before all danger of frost has passed, and plant the transplants.” (UMD okra) Planner: Direct sow last frost +2 to +3 (2–3 weeks after last frost); Start indoors last frost −6 to −5 (5–6 weeks before last frost). Hard seed coat: scratch with sandpaper or soak/pre-sprout (UMD).

Depth and spacing

UMD: space 12–18 inches in the row and 36–48 inches between rows.

Sun, soil and water

Full sun; warm soil; somewhat drought tolerant once established; mulch for moisture (UMD). Avoid poorly drained sites (root rot / powdery mildew risk on NC State lists).

Care

Wear gloves around spiny plants (UMD). Prefer compost and soil test over printed fertilizer rates.

Harvest

UMD: about 50–60 days from transplanting; pick 2- to 4-inch pods every few days (about 1–3 days after flowers); about three times a week; remove over-mature pods so plants keep blooming. Other sources list about 60–70 days (Clemson planning) or 55–60 from direct seed (Missouri) — label each. Fridge storage can pit pods if held more than about a week (UMD).

Pests and diseases (organic)

Aphids, corn earworms, slugs, whiteflies, spider mites (NC State). Aphids: hose-off; insecticidal soap or oil with thorough coverage as labeled (UC IPM). Powdery mildew / root rot: drainage and air flow — no synthetic fungicide rates.

Related: ZIP planner · organic pest control · all grow guides

Frequently asked questions

When do I plant okra?

Direct sow last frost +2 to +3 (soil ~65°F). Start indoors last frost −6 to −5 (UMD).

How often do I harvest?

Young 2–4 in. pods, about three times a week (UMD).

More grow guides: All grow guides

Sources

  • University of Maryland Extension: Okra
  • University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR): Aphids