When to Plant and Harvest Okra
Heat-loving plant producing tender pods used in Southern cooking and stews
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.5. Lime if a soil test reads below 6.0. Keep it within 6.0 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Roasted okra. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Not on the ASPCA list. ASPCA has no entry for this crop. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Okra
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Okra in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 95F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 20 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 15 to June 5 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | May 1 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 25 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 15 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 15 to May 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | March 1 to April 15 | July 1 to August 1 |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to April 1 | July 15 to August 15 |
| Zone 11 | January 1 to March 1 | August 1 to October 1 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to February 15 | August 15 to October 15 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 24 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 65F to 95F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week once established; drought tolerant but produces better with water
- Days to harvest: 55
Fertilization
- 10-10-10 Balanced synthetic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft at planting
- Compost organic: 3 inches worked in before planting
Companion Plants
- Basil
- Peppers
- Melons
- Eggplant
Avoid Planting Near
- Squash
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Pods are 3-4 inches long and tender
- Harvest every 2-3 days or pods become tough and fibrous
- Pods should snap cleanly, not bend
- Wear gloves; plant spines can irritate skin
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Okra?
Okra planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Okra?
The best time of year to plant Okra is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 65F to 95F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Okra?
Plant Okra in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 65F to 95F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Okra?
Plant Okra about 12 inches apart, with rows around 24 inches apart.
What grows well with Okra?
Okra is commonly paired with Basil, Peppers, Melons, Eggplant.
How long does Okra take to grow?
Okra is typically ready to harvest in about 55 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Okra?
Harvest Okra when pods are 3-4 inches long and tender. Harvest every 2-3 days or pods become tough and fibrous Pods should snap cleanly, not bend