Okra

Plant Overview

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is listed in the Malvaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Easy.

Plant ID

PLT-0038

Family

Malvaceae

Plant type

Vegetable

Life cycle

Annual

Growth habit

Upright, warm-season herbaceous annual with a branching main stem and hibiscus-like flowers followed by elongated edible pods

Mature height

Commonly about 3-6 feet tall, though some cultivars can grow taller

Mature spread

Commonly about 2-3 feet wide

Difficulty

Easy

Growing Conditions

Okra is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate; keep soil evenly moist during establishment and pod production while avoiding prolonged waterlogging. The database soil reference is Fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam rich in organic matter. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 2-11 as an annual crop.

Hardiness zones

2-11 as an annual crop

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil

Fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam rich in organic matter

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water needs

Moderate; keep soil evenly moist during establishment and pod production while avoiding prolonged waterlogging

Plant spacing

Space plants roughly 12-18 inches apart, with rows about 3 feet apart

Seed & Germination

For seed starting, the listed germination time is Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable and the seed depth is About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size. The listed time to maturity is Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination

Typically 5-14 days from seed when conditions are suitable

Germination temperature

Okra seed germinates best in warm soil, commonly around 75-90°F, with consistent moisture

Seed depth

About 1/4-1 inch depending on seed size

Sowing method

Direct sow okra seed after the soil has warmed and frost danger has passed, or start seedlings indoors briefly and transplant carefully because okra dislikes root disturbance

Start indoors

Optional for crops that tolerate transplanting; otherwise direct sow

Transplanting

Transplant after hardening off when temperatures suit the crop

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity

Typically 45-120 days depending on cultivar and growing conditions

Harvest

Harvest pods frequently while they are young and tender, commonly around 2-4 inches long, before they become tough and fibrous

Propagation

Primarily propagated by seed and usually direct sown after soil and air temperatures have warmed

Seed saving

Allow selected okra pods to remain on the plant until fully mature, dry, and brittle; open the dried pods and collect the hard seeds, keeping varieties separated during flowering if maintaining seed purity

Pollination

Okra flowers are largely self-pollinating but also attract bees and other insects that can contribute to pollination

Garden Information

Common pests

Aphids, flea beetles, stink bugs, Japanese beetles, spider mites, corn earworms, and other pod- or foliage-feeding insects

Common diseases

Fusarium wilt, Verticillium wilt, powdery mildew, leaf spots, root rots, and damping-off

Uses

Young pods for frying, stews, gumbo, roasting, pickling, grilling, soups, and other culinary uses