How to Grow Okra in Florida

When most of the garden gives up in the summer heat, okra is just getting started. It is the classic Florida warm-season crop.

Okra is the answer to Florida's hardest gardening question: what can I actually grow in summer? A relative of hibiscus, it thrives in heat and humidity that flatten most vegetables, and it keeps producing for months once it gets going.

When to plant in Florida

Okra needs warm soil, so wait until things heat up. See your region's window on the okra page.

Varieties for Florida

• 'Clemson Spineless' — the standard, productive and easy to handle.
• 'Emerald' — smooth, round pods that stay tender a little longer.
• 'Annie Oakley II' — compact and early, good for smaller gardens.
• 'Red Burgundy' — ornamental red pods and stems.

How to grow it

• Sow direct: okra resents transplanting. Sow seed 1/2–1 inch deep once soil is warm; soaking seed overnight speeds germination.
• Sun and space: full sun, plants 12–18 inches apart. They grow tall, so give them room.
• Water: water to establish, then it is fairly drought tolerant. Florida's summer rain often does the job.
• Soil: compost-enriched sand is fine; okra is not fussy.

Pests and problems

Okra has few serious problems in Florida. Watch for root-knot nematodes, stink bugs and aphids, and the occasional corn earworm in pods. Rotate beds and keep plants healthy and they mostly look after themselves.

Harvest

Pods are ready about 50–65 days from sowing and grow fast. Pick them young, at 3–4 inches, every one to two days. Left longer they turn woody and the plant slows down. Wear sleeves; the spines on most varieties can itch.

Source: UF/IFAS Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide (SP 103), Okra; UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant okra where you garden.

See also: Okra in the plant library →

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