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Vegetable

Okra

Abelmoschus esculentus

A heat-loving summer vegetable related to hibiscus, with pretty flowers and pods that suit Adelaide's hot summers. Sow in late spring once the soil is warm. Pick pods young, about finger length, every day or two; older pods turn woody quickly.

When to plant where you live

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Planting times for other areas

Varieties (3)

  • Clemson SpinelessStandard green, spineless pods; reliable and productive
  • Dwarf (e.g. Emerald)Shorter plants with tender round pods; suits smaller beds
  • Red BurgundyRed pods and stems; ornamental and tasty; pods turn green when cooked

Neighbours

Grows well with

From seed to plate

  1. Plant

    45 cm apart, seed 20 mm deep. Full sun.

  2. Water

    Regular water.

  3. Feed

    Compost at sowing.

  4. Pick, from about 9 weeks

    Pick pods at 5–8 cm.

Good to know

  • Use secateurs to cut pods; plants keep producing if picked regularly
  • Water deeply in heatwaves but don't keep soil soggy

Common problems

  • Seeds fail to come upwait for warm soil; soak seed overnight before sowing
  • Aphidshose off, encourage ladybirds
  • Woody podsharvest at 6 to 10 cm, every 1 to 2 days
  • Skin irritation from hairswear gloves and long sleeves when picking

If you use a garden chemical, follow the label exactly. Try organic options first, and ask the community or Plant Doctor if you're unsure.

Ask the garden helper about okraAny question, answered from the plant libraryHow others are growing okraQuestions, tips and harvests from the community
Where this information comes from
  • Australian seed company regional sowing charts (temperate zone) (germination, low confidence)
  • ABC Gardening Australia fact sheets (growing, medium confidence)
  • ABC Gardening Australia plant finder: Okra (growing, high confidence, checked 27 Oct 2026)
  • Gardenate: Growing Okra (comparison only) (growing comparison, medium confidence, checked 27 Oct 2026)
  • Sustainable Gardening Australia: planting guides (sowing window, medium confidence)

Reviewed by AI cross-check (Claude), not a horticulturist on 27 Oct 2026. Version 2.