Okra needs heat. Sow it outdoors 2 to 3 weeks after your last spring frost (Texas A&M, Maryland, Utah State), once the soil is at least 65°F (Maryland, Clemson; Utah State says 75°F). For a fall crop, plant at least 3 months before your first fall frost (Texas A&M). Okra is usually direct-sown; in short-season areas you can start it indoors 4 to 6 weeks ahead (Utah State, Maryland). Pods are ready about 50 to 70 days after planting (UF/IFAS).
Okra is a hibiscus relative from Africa, and it behaves like one: it grows fast and blooms freely in hot weather and sulks in cold soil. University of Maryland Extension calls it a very tender annual whose top growth is injured by frost, and Clemson says it grows best at 75 to 90°F. Planting into cold soil is the most common way to lose a stand.
Soil temperature is the real trigger
- Clemson: seeds germinate best in soil at 70 to 95°F; check the soil 4 inches down, and if it is below 65°F, hold off.
- Maryland: sow outdoors after the soil has warmed to 65°F, which is usually 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost.
- Utah State: plant 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost date or when the soil is at least 75°F.
- UF/IFAS: start planting when evening temperatures are in the mid-50s and the soil is above 65°F.
Spring dates by last frost
The table counts from your average last spring frost. The outdoor column is the 2 to 3 weeks after frost used by Texas A&M, Maryland and Utah State; the last column is the wider window in Texas A&M's vegetable table (2 to 6 weeks after the frost-free date). The indoor column follows Maryland's 5 to 6 weeks before frost danger has passed, for gardeners who want an earlier harvest.
| Average last spring frost | Start indoors (optional) | Sow outdoors | Texas A&M window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1 | Jan 18 – Jan 25 | Mar 15 – Mar 22 | Mar 15 – Apr 12 |
| Mar 15 | Feb 1 – Feb 8 | Mar 29 – Apr 5 | Mar 29 – Apr 26 |
| Apr 1 | Feb 18 – Feb 25 | Apr 15 – Apr 22 | Apr 15 – May 13 |
| Apr 15 | Mar 4 – Mar 11 | Apr 29 – May 6 | Apr 29 – May 27 |
| May 1 | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | May 15 – May 22 | May 15 – Jun 12 |
| May 15 | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 29 – Jun 5 | May 29 – Jun 26 |
| Jun 1 | Apr 20 – Apr 27 | Jun 15 – Jun 22 | Jun 15 – Jul 13 |
Regional examples: in central Maryland (last frost around April 15), UMD lists direct sowing from the second week through the last week of May. Clemson gives South Carolina spring dates of May 15 to July 15 in the Piedmont and May 1 to June 30 on the coast.
Sowing and spacing
| Detail | Extension guidance |
|---|---|
| Depth | About 1 inch (Texas A&M, USU); ¾ inch (Clemson) |
| Spacing | Sow about 2 inches apart and thin to about 1 foot (Texas A&M) or 1 to 2 feet (USU); Clemson leaves one plant every 9 to 12 inches |
| Rows | At least 3 feet apart (Texas A&M, USU); 3 to 6 feet (Clemson) |
| Emergence | About 7 to 10 days (Texas A&M) |
| Transplants | Start indoors 5 to 6 weeks before frost danger has passed (UMD) or 4 to 5 weeks before transplanting (USU), for short seasons |
| Water | Texas A&M says okra handles dry spells but yields more if watered every 7 to 10 days; USU gives 1.5 to 2 inches every 7 to 10 days |
Okra grows tall: Maryland says plants can reach 6 to 10 feet, and Texas A&M's gardening guide suggests putting tall crops like okra and corn where they won't shade shorter ones.
From sowing to first pods
Texas A&M says okra flowers about two months after planting and the pods are ready 3 to 4 days after that. Maryland gives 50 to 60 days from transplanting, Clemson 60 to 70 days and UF/IFAS 50 to 70 days, depending on variety. Pick pods small: 2 to 3 inches (Clemson, UF), 2 to 4 inches (Maryland) or 3 to 4 inches (Texas A&M). Texas A&M says to pick every 1 to 2 days or yields drop, and that oversized pods turn tough and stringy.
Fall okra: dates by first frost
Because okra loves heat, a midsummer sowing keeps producing until cold weather. Texas A&M says to plant at least 3 months before the first fall frost, and its vegetable table gives 12 to 16 weeks before the first freeze. Clemson does not recommend fall plantings in South Carolina, so the extra crop is mainly for areas with long, warm falls.
| Average first fall frost | Texas A&M fall window (12 to 16 weeks before) | Latest sowing (3 months before) |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 15 | May 26 – Jun 23 | Jun 16 |
| Oct 1 | Jun 11 – Jul 9 | Jul 2 |
| Oct 15 | Jun 25 – Jul 23 | Jul 16 |
| Nov 1 | Jul 12 – Aug 9 | Aug 2 |
| Nov 15 | Jul 26 – Aug 23 | Aug 16 |
Florida and the Deep South
UF/IFAS says okra suits Florida's hot, humid summers, can grow nearly year-round in South Florida and peaks from March to November. UF's month-by-month list puts okra seed in the ground from March to June in North Florida, February to August in Central Florida and January to March and August to October in South Florida.
Where okra goes in the garden
Plant okra on the side of the garden where its height won't shade other crops. It shares the hot part of the season with sweet potatoes, melons and eggplant, and like sweet corn it is a tall crop.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant okra?
About 2 to 3 weeks after your last spring frost (Texas A&M, Maryland, Utah State), once the soil is at least 65°F (Maryland, Clemson). Utah State says 75°F soil.
What soil temperature does okra need?
Clemson says okra germinates best in soil at 70 to 95°F and to wait if the soil 4 inches down is below 65°F. Maryland sows once the soil reaches 65°F.
Should I soak okra seeds before planting?
Many gardeners do. UF suggests about six hours, Utah State overnight and Maryland 12 to 24 hours after lightly scratching the seed. Clemson notes soaking won't save seedlings sown into cold soil.
Can I plant okra in July?
In long-season areas, yes. Texas A&M says to plant at least 3 months before your first fall frost; its table gives 12 to 16 weeks before the first freeze. Clemson does not recommend fall okra in South Carolina.
How long does okra take to produce?
Texas A&M says plants flower about two months after planting and pods are ready 3 to 4 days later. UF gives 50 to 70 days depending on variety.
Can I start okra indoors?
Yes, for short seasons. Maryland starts seed 5 to 6 weeks before frost danger has passed, and Utah State 4 to 5 weeks before transplanting.
Enter your last frost date to plan the warm-season crops that go in alongside okra.
Open itSources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, "Companion Planting in Gardening" (SPES-620P)
- University of Maryland Extension, "Vegetable Succession and Companion Planting"
- Oregon State University Extension, "Companion Planting"
- Penn State Extension, "Herbs Make Good Plant Partners and Companions"
- University of Minnesota Extension, "Planting the vegetable garden"
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (frost/freeze data)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, "Easy Gardening: Okra"
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC, "Okra"
- University of Maryland Extension, "Okra"
- Utah State University Extension, "Okra in the Garden"
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions, "Okra"
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, "Texas Home Vegetable Gardening Guide" (Tables 8 and 9)
- University of Maryland Extension, "When to Plant Vegetables"
- University of Florida IFAS Gardening Solutions, "What to Plant by Month" (text version)
Pairings are summarized in our own words from extension-service guidance. Research support for many companion effects is limited, so treat them as good habits, not guarantees.