When to plant okra 🌿
Okra takes 55–65 days to mature, spaced 18" apart at 1" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Direct sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April 27 – May 11 | June 8 – June 29 | June 8 – June 22 | July 27 – August 17 |
| Zone 4 | April 17 – May 1 | May 29 – June 19 | May 29 – June 12 | July 17 – August 7 |
| Zone 5 | April 3 – April 17 | May 15 – June 5 | May 15 – May 29 | July 3 – July 24 |
| Zone 6 | March 18 – April 1 | April 29 – May 20 | April 29 – May 13 | June 17 – July 8 |
| Zone 7 | March 4 – March 18 | April 15 – May 6 | April 15 – April 29 | June 3 – June 24 |
| Zone 8 | February 16 – March 1 | March 29 – April 19 | March 29 – April 12 | May 17 – June 7 |
| Zone 9 | January 18 – February 1 | February 29 – March 21 | February 29 – March 14 | April 18 – May 9 |
| Zone 10 | January 2 – January 16 | February 13 – March 5 | February 13 – February 27 | April 2 – April 23 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized okra planting dates
Care tips
- Soak seeds 12 hours before sowing.
- Pick pods at 2–4 in. — they toughen fast.
- Loves heat and humidity.
Good companions
Pepper, Basil, Melon.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
Track your okra harvest with BotaNotes
Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start okra seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start okra seeds indoors between April 3 and April 17 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start okra seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start okra seeds indoors between March 18 and April 1 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start okra seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start okra seeds indoors between March 4 and March 18 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start okra seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start okra seeds indoors between February 16 and March 1 — that's 2–4 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant okra seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant okra seedlings about 2–4 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around April 29–May 13.
How long does okra take to grow?▾
Okra typically takes 55–65 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 9–12 weeks after the last spring frost.