PlantSowGrow
How to grow Okra (Clemson Spineless)
Abelmoschus esculentus
Hibiscus-like flowers followed by tender green pods for gumbo and curries. Needs heat — best in a greenhouse.
At a glance: Sow early March to late March, harvest from mid July.
When to sow, plant and harvest
Timed for a typical UK garden (last frost mid-April). The app uses your own town's frost dates.
Growing Okra (Clemson Spineless): what it needs
- Light
- Full sun · 6+ hours a day
- Watering
- Water regularly in dry weather
- Soil
- Fertile, well-drained soil
- Spacing
- 45 cm
- In pots
- Grows well in containers
- Feeding
- A general feed before sowing or planting
- Harvest
- About 110 days from sowing
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 9–11
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
Step by step
- Early March – late March · 6 weeks before the last spring frost
Sow Seeds Indoors
Sow in modules or small pots of seed compost under cover. Soak seed overnight; needs 20–30°C.
- 7–14 days after “Sow Seeds Indoors” · Mid March
Check Germination
Seedlings should appear in 7–14 days. If sown outdoors, thin to 45 cm apart when big enough to handle.
- 14–21 days after “Check Germination” · Late March – early April
Pot On Seedlings
Move seedlings into 9 cm pots (or keep in modules) when they have their first true leaves.
- Early May · 3 weeks after the last spring frost
Harden Off
Stand plants outside by day for 7–10 days before planting out.
- Mid May – mid June · 4 weeks after the last spring frost
Plant Out
Plant out 45 cm apart and water in well.
- 30–45 days after “Plant Out” · Mid June – late June
Start Feeding
Feed every 7–10 days with a high-potash (tomato) feed once the first flowers appear.
- 60–81 days after “Plant Out” · Mid July – early August
Start Harvesting
Pick pods at 5–8 cm, every other day — they turn woody fast.
- 45–75 days after “Start Harvesting” · Late August – late September
Finish and Clear
Clear the remains to the compost heap once cropping ends.
