While okra may be considered a "southern thing", it can be grown in most USDA planting zones. There are many benefits to adding okra to your "things to grow this season" list, okra is an excellent source of vitamins and it is one of the easiest things to grow in the garden. Most okra varieties are heat-lovers, have low watering needs, and the beneficial pollinators love the blooms. What variety should you grow? Let's discuss!

General Information:

Excellent source of vitamins A, C, Folate, and magnesium.  Low in calories and carbs. Provides protein that many other fruits and vegetables lack. Contains antioxidants that contributes to brain and heart health.So many ways to cook, roasted, grilled, sauteed, fried, pickled, soups, gumbo, freeze dried.

Comes in 2 colors, Pods usually green, but numerous red varieties out there as well.Okra is an annual. Okra grows the best in hardiness zones 6 – 11. You can grow okra in zone 5 but will need to take greater care with the plants.It does especially well in the south in growing zone 7 and zone 8. In zones 9, 10, and 11, watch for early consistent temperatures over 100 degrees which can stunt growth if they aren’t watered enough. Okra takes 50 – 65 days to grow and matureThe ideal growing temperature is 75 – 90 degrees. 

Starting Seeds: (soak or not to soak?)

Takes longer to germinate, have to be patient, 5-17 days

Transplants: Likes soil temps of 65-degree F to germinate. Will need a heat mat with thermostat.

For transplants start 4-6 weeks before last frost date. Will need to harden off before planting outdoors. Be careful transplanting. If root breaks, it will not thrive. (taproot) (fragile roots)

Water immediately after transplanting.

For direct sow: evening temp above 60 after last possible frost date.

(Northerners can lay black plastic over planting location 1 month before planting to raise soil temps)

Plant seeds 3/4″ – 1″ deep.

Plant spacing 2 feet apart, Row spacing 3-4 feet apart (grows over 6 feet and 3 feet wide, need plenty of space) Be sure to read you seed package information specific to the variety you are planting.

Location:

Choose a location that receives full sun. 12-16 hours daylight

Okra loves the heat

Grows best with pH that is close to neutral, anything 6.0-8.0 will workWell-draining soil amended with lots of compost or organic matter

Water Requirements:

Okra has low water needs and doesn’t like wet feet.No more than 1 inch per week if no rain.Water under foliage, right at ground level to avoid getting leaves wet.Best to water in mornings so water on leaves will evaporate during the day.

Fertilization:

Prior to planting, Complete organic fertilizer, compost, organic matterMicro boost, Fish emulsion

Pest and Diseases:

Not particularly prone to pest or disease, usually manageableUse crop rotation, high quality seed, keep garden clean removing old vegetationPowdery mildew (white and powdery spots) of in humid, overly moist conditionsFungus is possibility where there is too much moister (drooping yellow leaves)Root knot nematodeAntsAphids

Harvesting:

itching, irritation when harvested. Can grow spineless varieties.  Recommend wearing long sleeves and gloves to protect skin.Check daily, grow quickly within a few days after flowering.Most varieties intended to be picked when the pods are no longer than 3 inches long.