Okra
Okra, with its tall, graceful stems and striking, hibiscus-like flowers, adds a touch of elegance and productivity to any garden. Known for its distinctive, ridged pods, okra is a warm-season vegetable that thrives in hot climates. The plants can grow quite tall, creating a beautiful backdrop in garden beds or a charming addition to containers.
In Florida planting zone 9, okra thrives during the warm months, producing an abundance of tender pods that are perfect for a variety of dishes. The plants bloom with beautiful yellow flowers that give way to the elongated, green pods. Watching these vibrant plants grow and produce is a delightful experience, marking the success of your gardening efforts.
For those new to gardening, okra is an excellent choice. It is relatively easy to grow and offers a prolific harvest of nutritious pods. Whether you enjoy them fried, pickled, or in gumbo, okra brings a unique and flavorful addition to your meals, making your gardening endeavors both enjoyable and fruitful.
I would give okra a 4 out of 5 on how easy it is to grow. It is relatively straightforward to cultivate and can handle heat well, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
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Okra Varieties:
Clemson Spineless 80
Heirloom
Description: Clemson Spineless is the most popular okra variety, known for its smooth, spineless pods and high yields. The pods are tender and flavorful, reaching 6–9 inches in length.
Growing Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall
USDA Planting Zone: 3–11
Special Notes: Heat-tolerant and resistant to many common okra diseases. Excellent for frying, pickling, and adding to soups and stews. Matures in about 56–60 days.
Jing Orange
Description: Jing Orange is a striking variety with deep red to orange pods and green leaves. It has a unique, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture.
Growing Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall
USDA Planting Zone: 3–11
Special Notes: Adds color to the garden and dishes. Heat-tolerant and productive. Matures in about 60–65 days.
Red Burgundy
Heirloom
Description: Red Burgundy okra produces deep red pods and green leaves with red veins. The pods are tender and have a mild flavor.
Growing Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall
USDA Planting Zone: 3–11
Special Notes: Adds visual interest to the garden and dishes. Heat-tolerant and high-yielding. Matures in about 55–60 days.
Annie Oakley II
Description: Annie Oakley II is a hybrid okra variety known for its early maturity and high yields. It produces spineless, dark green pods that are tender and flavorful.
Growing Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall
USDA Planting Zone: 3–11
Special Notes: Compact plants are ideal for small gardens. Excellent for fresh eating, frying, and pickling. Matures in about 52–55 days.
Emerald
Description: Emerald okra produces dark green, smooth, and tender pods. It is known for its excellent flavor and high yields.
Growing Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall
USDA Planting Zone: 3–11
Special Notes: Heat-tolerant and resistant to common okra diseases. Great for fresh use, frying, and pickling. Matures in about 55–60 days.
Louisiana Green Velvet
Description: Louisiana Green Velvet is a traditional variety with large, bright green pods and vigorous growth. The pods are tender and flavorful.
Growing Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall
USDA Planting Zone: 3–11
Special Notes: Very productive and heat-tolerant. Ideal for fresh eating, cooking, and freezing. Matures in about 55–60 days.
Florida Vegetable Planting Guide
This guide provides information on when to start seeds inside, direct seed, and transplant starter plants in the different regions of Florida.
North USDA Planting Zones: 8b–9a
Central USDA Planting Zones: 9b & some of 10a
South USDA Planting Zones: 10a–11b
Visit the U.S. National Arboretum for an Exact USDA Planting Zone Map.
| Okra | North Florida | Central Florida | South Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start Seeds Inside | Not recommended | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Direct Seed | Mar–Jun | Feb–Aug | Jan–Mar & Aug–Oct |
| Transplant Starter Plants | Apr–Jun | Mar–Aug | Feb–Mar & Sep–Oct |
Planting Guide – Okra
Getting Started
Start Seeds Inside:
Starting okra seeds indoors is not recommended because okra thrives when directly sown into warm soil,
and transplants can sometimes struggle to establish.
Direct Seed:
Direct seeding okra during the warmer months allows for quick germination and rapid growth, taking advantage
of Florida’s long growing season.
Transplant Starter Plants:
Transplanting okra starter plants during the warmer months helps them establish quickly in the garden,
leading to a productive harvest.
For better germination, soak seeds in water for about 6 hours before planting. Okra requires warm soils and temperatures and is very heat tolerant, making it a perfect choice for hot Florida summers.
Soil, Sun, Water, and Spacing
Soil:
Okra prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure.
Sun:
Full sun is essential for optimal growth and pod production. Ensure okra plants receive at least
6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate
temperature, especially during hot, dry spells.
Spacing:
Plant okra seeds 0.5–1 inch deep, spacing them 4–10 inches apart within rows
and spacing rows about 36 inches apart. Thin seedlings to the same spacing to allow adequate
air circulation and room for growth.
Harvest, Additional Tips, and Support
Harvesting Okra:
Okra is ready to harvest when the pods are about 2–4 inches long, typically
60–70 days after planting. Harvest by cutting or snapping the pods off the plant while
they are still tender. Overgrown pods become tough and fibrous.
Additional Tips:
- Okra grows best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter—add compost to improve fertility and structure.
- Mulch around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Ensure okra receives consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod formation, to prevent stress and promote even growth.
Support:
Some okra varieties can grow very tall. In windy areas, staking individual plants or running a light support line
can help prevent stems from bending or breaking.
By selecting the right okra varieties and following these growing tips, you can achieve a successful and bountiful okra harvest in your Florida garden.
Fertilization, Care, and Common Problems
Fertilization (N–P–K Ratio):
Okra benefits from a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content to support leafy growth and pod development,
such as 20-10-10 or 16-8-8.
When to Add:
Before Planting: Apply fertilizer to the soil before planting seeds or
transplants to promote strong initial growth.
Mid-Growing Season: Reapply fertilizer every 4–6 weeks
during the growing season to support continued growth and pod production.
Application Tips:
- Always follow the directions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization and salt buildup.
- Apply fertilizer evenly around the base of the plants and water thoroughly to help nutrients reach the roots.
- Combine fertilizer applications with compost to feed both plants and soil life.
Pests and Diseases that Affect Okra in Florida:
- Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from leaves and stems, causing curling and yellowing.
- Spider Mites: Tiny mites that cause stippling and yellowing of leaves, often in hot, dry weather.
- Flea Beetles: Small beetles that chew small holes in the leaves.
- Root-Knot Nematodes: Microscopic worms that cause galls on roots, stunting plant growth.
- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on leaves.
- Southern Blight: A fungal disease that causes wilting and eventual death of plants near the soil line.
Blog post on Natural Fertilizers
Natural Pest Control
Companion Plants and Plants to Avoid
Companion Plants for Okra:
| Basil | A fragrant herb with bright green leaves and a sweet, slightly peppery flavor. Basil helps repel aphids, spider mites, and flea beetles with its strong aroma and attracts pollinators like bees to the garden. |
| Nasturtium | Flowering plants with round leaves and vibrant blooms. Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, luring aphids and flea beetles away from okra while attracting beneficial insects that prey on these pests. |
| Marigold | Bright, sunny flowers that release chemicals into the soil which deter nematodes and other soil-borne pests. Marigolds help repel root-knot nematodes, aphids, and flea beetles, protecting okra roots. |
| Dill | An herb with feathery green leaves and yellow flowers. Dill attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs and predatory wasps that prey on aphids, spider mites, and flea beetles, improving overall garden health. |
| Cilantro | An herb with bright green leaves and a distinct, fresh flavor. Cilantro helps repel aphids, spider mites, and other pests with its aroma, and its flowers attract beneficial insects that help control pest populations. |
Plants to Avoid Near Okra:
| Cucumbers | Can attract pests that also attack okra, increasing pest pressure in the same bed. |
| Melons | Compete for nutrients and water and can attract similar pests, especially in compact garden spaces. |
| Potatoes | Heavy feeders that compete with okra for nutrients and may harbor diseases that can spread through the bed. |
| Eggplant | Competes for nutrients and attracts some of the same pests that feed on okra, increasing the risk of damage. |
These companion plants help protect okra from pests and diseases while also enhancing the overall health and productivity of the garden. Keeping conflicting crops at a distance gives your okra the best chance to thrive.