How to Grow Okra

Beginner-Friendly

Abelmoschus esculentus

A heat-loving warm-season crop producing edible green pods. Grows quickly in hot weather and produces prolifically. Related to hibiscus — has attractive yellow flowers. Harvest pods young (7–10 cm) for best texture; they become tough and woody if left too long.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
50–65 days
typical
Per Square Foot
1
Plant Spacing
30 cm / 12"
Sun
8+ hours
Water
1.0" / 25 mm
Fertilization
light feeder

Growing Notes

Direct sow after soil reaches 18 °C or start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost. Soak seeds overnight to speed germination. Harvest pods every 1–2 days when 7–10 cm long. Wear gloves — stems have irritating spines on some varieties.

Varieties & Cultivars

6 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

1939 AAS winner

(1)
Clemson Spineless
50–65 days Open-Pollinated

vigorous producer; dark green straight pods; the most widely grown okra variety worldwide

Height
48–60" (122–152 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
5–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
4 years

Compact dwarf variety

(1)
Annie Oakley
55–60 days Open-Pollinated

spineless straight pods; ideal for small gardens and containers; AAS winner 2000

Height
36–42" (91–107 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (14 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
5–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
4 years

Early maturing

(1)
Cajun Delight
50–60 days Open-Pollinated

dark green; prolific producer; excellent flavour; Louisiana State University release

Height
48–60" (122–152 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
5–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
4 years

High-yielding

(1)
Louisiana Green Velvet
55–65 days Open-Pollinated

dark green; vigorous grower; excellent for southern gardens; Louisiana State University release

Height
48–60" (122–152 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
5–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
4 years

Smooth round pods

(1)
Emerald
55–65 days Open-Pollinated

spineless; tender even at larger sizes; compact plants good for raised beds

Height
36–48" (91–122 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (14 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
5–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
4 years

Striking deep red pods and stems

(1)
Burgundy
50–60 days Open-Pollinated

pods turn green when cooked; tender and productive; AAS winner

Height
36–60" (91–152 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (13 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
5–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
4 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside okra, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Beans : Beans fix nitrogen that feeds heavy-producing okra plants
Pepper : Peppers and okra share heat requirements and attract pollinators together
Sunflower : Both tall warm-season plants; sunflowers attract pollinators that improve okra set
Basil : Basil repels aphids and attracts pollinators near okra
Lettuce : Okra provides afternoon shade for heat-sensitive lettuce
Cucumber : Cucumbers benefit from okra's wind protection; complementary root depths
Eggplant : Both heat-lovers with similar needs; eggplant deters flea beetles

Keep Apart

Sweet Potato : Both vigorous spreaders that compete aggressively for space and nutrients

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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