Calendar

The okra calendar, month by month

When to sow, plant and pick, in a UK greenhouse and in a warm US garden.

The RHS says sow okra seeds indoors in March or April, after soaking them for two hours in warm water, one to each small pot or module. RHS: How to grow okra Move young plants to their final spot when they are 10–15cm (4–6in) tall, in late May or June. RHS: How to grow okra

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: plant okra in spring, 2 to 3 weeks after all danger of frost has passed. For a good fall crop, plant at least 3 months before the first fall frost. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Growing okra FAO Ecocrop: okra is an annual that may take 50–90 days to its first harvest, and the harvest can go on for up to 180 days. FAO Ecocrop: Abelmoschus esculentus

RHS, Clemson, UGA and Texas A&M AgriLife, side by side

One UK greenhouse guide and three from the warm southern United States, with different numbers. Use whichever suits your climate, and keep notes on what works for you.

Rules of thumb

• Cover the pots (a lidded propagator or a clear polythene bag) and keep them above 16°C (60°F). The RHS says an airing cupboard is ideal for germination. RHS: How to grow okra
• When plants are 60cm (2ft) tall, pinch out the shoot tips. Side-shoots form, which should mean more pods. RHS: How to grow okra
• The RHS says pick pods while tender and immature, about 5–10cm (2–4in) long: large mature pods become tough and stringy. RHS: How to grow okra
• Okra grows very quickly, so Clemson says pick at least every two days. Pods left to mature on the plant hold back new pods. Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center: Okra (HGIC 1313; written for South Carolina)
• Texas A&M AgriLife: diseases on okra are most severe in cloudy, damp weather. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Growing okra

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