Planting

When to Plant Okra

• You can start okra seeds indoors in peat pots under full light 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date
• In warmer areas, you can also start okra directly in your garden 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date as long as you cover the plants with a cold frame or grow tunel until the weather warms up fully. Make sure that the covering is 2 to 3 feet tall so that the plants have room to grow.
• If you do not start your okra plants early, wait until there is stable, warm weather. You can plant okra in the garden when the soil has warmed to about 70°F—the warmer, the better.
• Care How to Grow Okra
  • Eliminate weeds when the plants are young, then mulch heavily to prevent more weeds from growing. Apply a layer of mulch 2 to 3 inches high.
  • You should side-dress the plants with 10-10-10, aged manure, or rich compost (½ pound per 25 feet of row). You could also apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Learn more about soil amendment and preparing soil planting.