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Entire healthy mature okra plant in a real garden bed, showing growth habit and scale.Primary identification image. 120–200 cm tall, 45–60 cm wide at maturity.

Okra

Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

Also called: Lady's fingers, Gumbo

Family
Malvaceae
Season
Warm-season annual
Best grown in
Portland, Oregon

A tall, heat-loving hibiscus relative that only thrives where summers are hot; pods must be picked small and often.

Safety: Leaf and pod hairs irritate some people's skin; wear sleeves when picking.

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Life cycle & growth stages

  1. 1. SeedSoak overnight; sow in hot soil.
  2. 2. SeedlingEmerges in 5–10 days at 25 °C+.
  3. 3. Mid-growthUpright stem; large lobed leaves.
  4. 4. FloweringYellow hibiscus-like flowers last one day.
  5. 5. Developing podsPods form within days of flowering.
  6. 6. Harvest readyPods 5–10 cm.
  7. 7. HarvestCut with secateurs; wear sleeves.

Growth stages are ordered chronologically; timing varies with cultivar, temperature, light and care.

Planting calendar for Portland, Oregon

Start indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost; transplant 3–5 weeks after last frost; direct sow 3–5 weeks after last frost; 55–65 days to maturity from sowing. Windows are derived from the region's average frost dates (last Apr 5, first Nov 5) and are estimates until you confirm your own dates in the calendar.

OkraAbelmoschus esculentus
PlantStart indoorsDirect sowAutumn sowTransplantTendHarvest
OkraMar 8–Mar 15 (estimate)Apr 26–May 10 (estimate)—Apr 26–May 10 (estimate)May 10–Jun 20 (estimate)Jun 20–Nov 5 (estimate)
  • Start seeds indoors: Mar 8 – Mar 15
  • Transplant outdoors: Apr 26 – May 10
  • Direct sow: Apr 26 – May 10
  • Tend and monitor: May 10 – Jun 20
  • Harvest: Jun 20 – Nov 5

Spacing & support

In-row 30–45 cm; rows 75–90 cm. Planner footprint: 2 cells of 30 cm.

Side-profile diagram of mature okra: canopy 120–200 cm tall, 45–60 cm wide, deep root zone, support and harvest-access envelope.

Soil & water

Soil
Warm, well-drained loam
pH
6–7
Fertility
moderate
Water
Drought-tolerant once established; water for pod set.
Frost
tender; killed by frost

Support & training

No support structure needed.

Okra mid-season before harvest, showing branching, vining, rosette or upright habit and space occupied.

Harvest signs

  • Pods 5–10 cm long
  • Snap cleanly when bent
  • Cut every 1–2 days
Okra at harvest readiness, showing the visual cues: pods 5–10 cm long; snap cleanly when bent.

Common problems

Pests: aphids, stink bugs, corn earworm

Diseases: Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew

Appearance alone is not a diagnosis; confirm with a regional extension guide.

Side-by-side: healthy okra leaf or fruit and an example of Fusarium wilt.

Container growing

  • Minimum 20 L (35 cm deep)
  • Use quality potting mix and water more frequently
  • Dwarf cultivars only.
Mature okra in a correctly sized container (20 L or more) with drainage visible.

Companion overview

1 reviewed relationship record (evidence: low).

Supported or conditional

None reviewed

Avoid or separate

None with evidence

1 popular pairing reviewed with no verified relationship.

Full companion profile

Crop rotation

Avoid planting okra or other other crops in the same spot for 2 years. Rotation is about previous seasons, not about live neighbours.

Year 1Year 2Year 3MalvaceaeOther familyOther familyback after 2+ yearsCrop rotation hub

Sources, reviewer & update

Sources

Reviewer: Garden Planner editorial team (pending independent horticultural review)

Last reviewed: August 15, 2026 · version 1

Found an error or have feedback? Let us know.

Growing okra

Okra needs soil above 24 °C to germinate and long hot summers to crop well; in cool climates it sulks. Soak seed overnight and sow directly 3–5 weeks after the last frost, or transplant carefully from pots.

Okra seed beside a ruler or coin for scale.
Okra seedling at cotyledon and first-true-leaf stage, in soil, distinguishable from common weeds.
Okra mid-season before harvest, showing branching, vining, rosette or upright habit and space occupied.

Plants reach 1.2–2 m and carry hibiscus-like flowers followed by pods that must be cut at 5–10 cm every other day; larger pods are woody. Okra is a minor host for aphids and stink bugs and is in its own family for rotation.

Two or more mature okra plants with a tape measure showing in-row spacing (30–45 cm).
Okra flower detail or bolting stage.
Immature pods of okra developing on the plant.

Edible parts and safety

Edible: pods, leaves. Leaf and pod hairs irritate some people's skin; wear sleeves when picking.

Hands or tool harvesting okra correctly (cut, pull, twist or pick) without damaging the plant.

Pests and diseases

Common pests: aphids, stink bugs, corn earworm. Common diseases: Fusarium wilt, powdery mildew. These vary by region; a photograph is an example, not a diagnosis. See the pest and disease guides and your local extension service.

aphids on okra, with a wider damage-context view.

Timeline

Season timeline for okra: sowing, transplanting, flowering, harvest and bed occupancy aligned to frost dates.Text alternative: Start seeds indoors Mar 8–Mar 15; Transplant outdoors Apr 26–May 10; Direct sow Apr 26–May 10; Tend and monitor May 10–Jun 20; Harvest Jun 20–Nov 5.

Related plants

See also: Malvaceae family page · crop rotation · regional calendar · guides

Our Methodology & Sources

We synthesize peer-reviewed research, university extension publications, and trusted horticulture resources. Our evidence levels help you understand how strong the science is behind the guidance.

Evidence tiers

Supported evidenceConsistent results from multiple robust studies
Traditional claimHistorical use reported, limited scientific support
Context dependentMixed or variable results across conditions
No verified relationshipNo reliable evidence identified

Primary source types

  • Peer-reviewed journal articles
  • University extension publications
  • Government & research institute reports
  • Systematic reviews & meta-analyses

Last updated

August 24, 2026

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