Okra Growing Guide

Okra is a Southern staple that has been grown in gardens all over for centuries. Okra belongs to the mallow family along with roselle hibiscus and also cotton. Originally from Africa, okra has been widely adapted to grow in most climates but does very well in hotter growing zones like Georgia and Louisiana. Africans know okra as “gumbo” and it is a key ingredient in the popular dish from Louisi...

Quick Overview

Category	Details
Planting Time	Late spring through late summer
Soil Temperature	70–95°F (germinates best 75–90°F)
Sunlight Requirements	Full Sun (8+ hours)
Watering Requirements	1–1.5" per week; more during extreme heat
Spacing (In-Ground)	Rows: 36–48"; Plants: 12–18"
Spacing (Raised Bed)	12–18" apart
Fertilizer Guidelines	Moderate feeder – compost + balanced fertilizer at planting

Growing Guide Details

Plant Classifications

Okra varieties are generally grouped by plant height, pod color, and harvest speed. Standard green okra varieties are the most common and known for reliable production and classic flavor. Red okra varieties offer ornamental color with similar taste. Dwarf or compact varieties are great for raised beds and small gardens, while tall heirloom types often produce heavily in long growing seasons.

What Variety to Choose?

💡

Clemson Spineless: Classic, reliable green okra with smooth pods and heavy yields.

Jambalaya: Early, extremely productive hybrid with fast pod set and compact plants.

Red Burgundy: Deep red pods and stems; ornamental and productive.

Cowhorn: Heirloom variety that produces long, tender 6-10" pods.

When to Plant

Plant okra only after soil has warmed and frost danger has passed. Okra is extremely heat-loving and grows fastest when nighttime temperatures stay above 65°F.

Zones 8–10:
Plant March–May. Succession plant through summer.

Zones 6–7:
Plant April–June once soil reaches at least 70°F.

Cooler Zones:
Start indoors 3–4 weeks early, but okra prefers direct seeding when possible.

Light & Space Requirements

Sunlight: Okra thrives in full sun. Maximum sunlight equals stronger stems and higher pod production.

In-Ground Spacing:
Row spacing: 36–48 inches
Plant spacing: 12–18 inches

Wider spacing improves airflow and reduces disease pressure in humid climates.

Raised Beds: Space plants 12–18 inches apart. Okra grows tall (3–6 ft+), so avoid overcrowding.

Planting Depth:
Plant seeds ½–1 inch deep in warm soil.

Cowhorn Okra

Soil & Fertility

Soil Requirements:

pH between 6.2–6.8

Rich in compost or organic matter

Well-draining, loamy soil

Fertilizer Schedule:

1 Week Before Planting:
Mix 1½ cups of HOSS Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft of row

2 Weeks After Planting:
Side-dress with 2 cups of HOSS Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft row.

If using Fertilizer injector, 1 cup 20-20-20 Fertilizer and 1-2 cups microboost per 20 ft row.

Every 14 Days:
Mix 1 to 2 cups of HOSS Premium 20-20-20 Fertilizer –AND – 1 to 2 cups of Hoss Micro-Boost Micronutrient Supplement per 20 ft. of row.

Pro Tip: Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of fruit.

Pest & Disease Control

Pest/Disease	Control Method
Thrips	Garden Insect Spray
Horn Worms	Garden Insect Spray, Take Out
Aphids	Horticulture Oil, Bug Buster-O, Take Down, Take Out
Stinkbugs	Horticulture Oil, Take Out
Whiteflies	Horticulture Oil, Bug Buster-O, Take Down, Take Out
Spider Mites	Horticulture Oil, Take Out
Armyworms	Monterey BT, Take Down
Cutworms	Diatomaceous Earth
Root Knot Nematodes	Good Crop Rotation, Succession Planting, Good Cover Crop Rotation

Irrigation & Watering Schedule

• Needs 1-1.5” water per week

• Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy)

• Use Drip Irrigation Kits to keep moisture away from the fruit and leaves.

Jambalaya Okra

Harvesting & Storage

Harvest:
Harvest pods when they are 2–4 inches long and still tender. Harvest every 1–2 days to keep plants producing. Larger pods become tough and woody quickly. Use pruners or snap pods carefully to avoid damaging stems.

Storage:
Store unwashed pods in a paper towel inside a loose plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

Preservation Tip:
Okra freezes well. Slice, blanch 3 minutes, cool, and freeze.

Sustainability & Garden Tips

• Harvest frequently to encourage continued flowering
• Rotate yearly (avoid planting after other heavy feeders)
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Compost healthy plants after frost kill
• Interplant with peppers or eggplant for efficient space use

FAQs

Why are my pods tough?

They were harvested too late. Pick young pods frequently.

Can okra grow in containers?

Yes. Use at least a 5-gallon container and choose compact varieties.

How long does okra take to produce?

Usually 50–65 days after planting.

Why are my flowers dropping?

Usually heat stress or inconsistent watering.

Does okra need pollinators?

Okra flowers open, pollinate themselves, and often close by noon. Bees can help but are not necessary.

Published on June 06, 2023
Updated on February 10, 2026

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