
How to grow okra in a raised bed
Thrives in hot climates. Pick pods at 3–4 inches before they get tough.
Spacing1 plant per square foot
How to startSow seeds right in the bed
When to plantAbout 3 weeks after your last spring frost
Time to harvestAbout 60 days
Grows toAbout 4 ft tall
When to plant okra in your zone
Dates are based on the average frost dates for each zone. Don't know your zone? Enter your ZIP code in the planner.
| Zone | Start seeds indoors | Plant in the bed | Plant again for fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | Jun 10 | — |
| Zone 3b | — | Jun 5 | — |
| Zone 4a | — | Jun 2 | — |
| Zone 4b | — | May 29 | — |
| Zone 5a | — | May 25 | — |
| Zone 5b | — | May 19 | — |
| Zone 6a | — | May 13 | — |
| Zone 6b | — | May 6 | — |
| Zone 7a | — | Apr 29 | — |
| Zone 7b | — | Apr 22 | — |
| Zone 8a | — | Apr 15 | — |
| Zone 8b | — | Apr 5 | — |
| Zone 9a | — | Mar 22 | — |
| Zone 9b | — | Mar 8 | — |
| Zone 10a | — | Feb 21 | — |
| Zone 10b | — | Feb 5 | — |
Tips for raised beds
- In square-foot gardening, plant one plant in each 1 × 1 ft square.
- It grows tall, so put it on the north side of the bed where it will not shade shorter plants.
- Most vegetables and fruit need at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
Where to buy okra seeds
Burpee · True Leaf Market · Botanical Interests
Plan where your okra go. Pick your bed size and material, choose your plants, and get a printable plan with measurements, a shopping list and planting dates for your ZIP code. Free, no sign-up.
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