Information about the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program
2020
Okra
Kristel Thornton, AFE 311 Practicum Student and Dr. Leigh Whittinghill, Assistant Professor of Urban Agriculture
Okra is a warm-season crop that belongs to the mallow family and is related to hibiscus. It originates from northern Africa and goes by many different names. The word gumbo is believed to originate from one of those names. This dish is an example of how okra has been widely adopted in southern cooking. There are many varieties of okra, but dwarf plants without spines and with smooth, green pods are recommended for home gardens.
Planting
The range of planting dates for okra varies depending on what region of Kentucky they are grown in:
oApril 20 to August 1 for western KY
oMay 10 to July 15 for central KY
oMay 15 to July 1 for eastern KY
Before planting, soak seeds in warm water for at least 6 hours, but for no more than 12 hours.
Plant seeds directly into the soil at a depth of 1 inch.
If starting as transplants, start seeds 6 weeks before the desired planting date.
Recommended plant spacing is 1-foot apart in rows that are spaced 24-to-30 inches apart. You can reduce row spacing by alternating which row you plant in.
Most varieties are tall bush variety but some can be climbers. Using a trellis on these may save space in the garden.
Care and Harvest
Plant in a weed-free area.
Keep the area around the plant weed-free.
Keep an eye out for aphids, blister beetles, and Japanese beetles. Treat accordingly when pests appear.
Remove any dead leaves from the garden. If they are not diseased, you can compost the leaves.
Okra should get 1 inch of water a week, including rain.
Okra is ready to harvest 50-to-80 days after planting, usually in late September to early November. Harvest when fruit are between 2-to-4 inches long. The harvest date and the length of the fruit depend on the variety of okra that is selected.