How Close to Plant Okra Seeds

Okra is ready to harvest within 60 days of planting.

Okra is an annual, warm-season vegetable. Okra plants grow 3 to 6 feet in height and bear flowers very similar to those of their close relatives: hibiscus.

Timing

Okra seeds won't germinate in cool soil, so wait until the soil has warmed in the spring before planting. Agriculture experts with the University of Illinois Extension suggest waiting until 10 days after the last frost in your area.

Location

Choose the sunniest part of the garden in which to plant your okra seeds. If the soil at the planting site doesn't drain well, add 3 to 4 inches of compost to the soil and mix it in well.

Depth and Spacing

Form small hills, 12 to 24 inches apart, out of the soil in the planting area and push three seeds, 1 inch deep, into each hill. Wait until the seedlings are 3 inches in height and pull all but the strongest plant in the hill.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Okra