Heat loving annual that is usually direct seeded but may be started indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost in short season climates. Soak seeds overnight prior to sowing. Apply bottom heat to keep 80–90˚F for fast germination. Seedlings require ample water. Use row cover for added warmth to plants and soil. Tolerates soils with heavy clay and intermittent moisture but frost can damage the pods. The fruits are harvested when immature and eaten as a vegetable. The seed pods rapidly become fibrous and woody, and to be edible, must be harvested within a week of the fruit having been pollinated. There is not enough heat units to grow okra in the Maritime Northwest or Northeast. Soil pH 5.6–7.5. Hardiness zones 5–11. Annual.
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 560 seeds per ounce. Germination in optimal conditions: 50%. Federal germination standard: 50%. Usual seed life: 5 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 1 mile.
Planting Depth
1/2"Soil Temp. Germ.
70–95˚FDays to Germ.
7–12Plant Spacing
12–18”Row Spacing
36”Days To Maturity
80Full Sun,
Moist Well Drained Soil