{"id":465,"date":"2023-02-20T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-20T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=465"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:44:20","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:44:20","slug":"how-to-grow-okra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-okra\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Okra &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Okra.png\" alt=\"okra plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nOkra, which are known botanically as Abelmoschus Esculentus, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing okra as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-okra\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Okra\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Okra\">Best Time to Plant Okra<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-okra\/#How_to_Plant_Okra_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Okra the Right Way\">How to Plant Okra the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-okra\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Okra\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Okra\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Okra<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-okra\/#How_Much_to_Water_Okra\" title=\"How Much to Water Okra\">How Much to Water Okra<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-okra\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Okra_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Okra to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Okra to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-okra\/#When_to_Harvest_Okra\" title=\"When to Harvest Okra\">When to Harvest Okra<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-okra\/#What_Can_Okra_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Okra Be Used For?\">What Can Okra Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-okra\/#Can_Okra_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Okra Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Okra Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-okra\/#Are_Okra_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Okra Safe for Bees?\">Are Okra Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Okra\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Okra<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the okra seeds spring 2 to 3 weeks after all danger of frost has passed. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when okra are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Okra_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Okra the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing okra in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your okra grow. Generally, your soil should be loams and sandy loams\u00a0. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.0 to 6.8.<\/p>\n<p>3&#8242; apart in rows. 18&#8243; apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 3&#8242; apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about .25&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your okra seedlings \u00a0one plant every 18&#8243; when the seedlings are 2&#8243; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Okra\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Okra<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your okra. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your okra should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more. <\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Okra\"><\/span>How Much to Water Okra<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your okra do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your okra begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Okra_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Okra to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your okra grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately 12-14 days to germinate, and a total of 58 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Okra\"><\/span>When to Harvest Okra<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your okra is when seed pods are 1 to 2 days old and 2 to 4 inches long.<\/p>\n<p>Okra can grow up to about 2 to 3 inches.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Okra_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Okra Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> Used in soups, stews, gumbos, and Cajun dishes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> Smooth, tender, and delicious!<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Okra_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Okra Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you will ideally need a  12&#8243;+ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your okra around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Okra_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Okra Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, okra are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing okra is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Okra, which are known botanically as Abelmoschus Esculentus, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing okra as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Okra This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the okra seeds spring 2 to 3 weeks after all danger of frost has passed. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when okra are most likely to thrive in your <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":392,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[231,18],"tags":[22,55],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/465"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=465"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/465\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":845,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/465\/revisions\/845"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/392"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}