Okra is an annual plant in the mallow family, native to Africa. It grows up to 2 meters tall, with long, lobed leaves and yellow flowers. The edible green pods have a ridged surface and are up to 20 cm long. The pods contain small, round seeds and are eaten as a vegetable, either cooked or raw. Okra is a popular crop in many parts of the world, including the Southern United States, India and West Africa. It is also known as lady's finger or gumbo.
Planning Your Garden With Okra
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Okra is an annual plant. |
| USDA Zone | Okra is not listed in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. However, it is generally considered to be a warm-season crop that grows best in zones 8-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Okra is a heat-loving plant and is not very cold tolerant. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C) for short periods of time, but it will not produce well in temperatures below 50°F (10°C). |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest okra is usually around 50-60 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown okra plant is between 3 and 6 feet tall. |
| Spacing requirements | Okra prefers a spacing of 2-3 feet between plants, with rows spaced at least 3-4 feet apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Okra is tolerant of full sun, but it does best in partial shade in areas with hot summers. It is also tolerant of some drought conditions. |
| Shade tolerance | Okra is moderately tolerant of shade, but it will produce the best yields when grown in full sun. |
| Water requirements | Okra plants need a consistent supply of water during their growing season. The soil should be kept moist, but not wet, with 1-2 inches of water per week. During periods of extreme heat, more water may be needed. It is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture in the soil. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing okra depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden area. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing okra is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Okra is Popular
Okra is a popular vegetable to grow because it is easy to grow, requires little maintenance, and is a nutritious and delicious addition to many dishes. It is also highly productive and can provide a large harvest in a relatively short time.
Companion Plants For Okra
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for okra include:
Common Pests For Okra
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow okra, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- aphids
- flea beetles
- beetles
- cutworms
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
