Okra
Abelmoschus esculentus • Malvaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Vegetable
🌍 Origin Region
West Africa; thrives in hot, humid tropical and subtropical climates worldwide.
📅 Days to Maturity
50-65 days to first harvest. Pods should be harvested when 2-3 inches long for best quality. Frequent harvesting encourages continued production.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 2-11 (grown as an annual). Cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
About This Seed
Small, spherical to heart-shaped seeds approximately 4-5mm in diameter. These seeds exhibit a reddish-pink fungicide coating (Thiram or Captan). The resulting plant is a tall, upright annual with large, palmate leaves and hibiscus-like creamy yellow flowers that produce edible green seed pods.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Warm Season. Direct sow or transplant after all danger of frost has passed and soil is at least 65°F (18°C).
Germination
Takes 2-12 days. Optimal soil temperature 75-90°F. Germination rate is typically 75-85%. Soaking seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours prior to planting can improve speed, though the pink coating suggests they are already prepared for soil pathogens.
Planting Instructions
Planting depth: 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Spacing: 12-18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours/day). Regular watering to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. High drought tolerance once established, but yield decreases.
Companion Plants
Beneficial: Peppers, Tomatoes, Basil, and Calendula. Avoid: Large vining squash that may overcrowd the base, though they are generally compatible with most garden crops.
Special Characteristics
Heat and drought tolerant. Pollinator-friendly flowers. High in fiber and Vitamin C. Features a pink chemical treatment to prevent damping off and seed rot.