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Where Is Okra Grown in the US?

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) has a longstanding Southern reputation. This warm-season vegetable was introduced in the U.S. in the mid-1600s from Africa, most likely during the years of slave trade. Okra is often a primary ingredient in gumbo, and you can fry, stew, pickle, steam or boil it. It needs a hot environment to grow best, so it’s a common home crop in the Southern states. But with the right care and conditions, you can grow okra just about anywhere in the U.S.

  1. Bring the Heat

    • As a warm-season vegetable, okra grows best in climates with a long, hot summer. The best location is on a southern slope. The soil temperature needs to be at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit at 4 inches deep when planting seeds. The plant thrives in soil temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. When growing from seeds, okra needs 60 to 70 days for growth, though many varieties are ready for harvest in 50 days. They grow 3 to 5 feet tall and are ornamental plants with attractive flowers as the pods develop.

    Cool Options

    • Gardeners in cool-season climates can still grow okra, but it may entail more attention and care. Plant the seeds in peat pots four to five weeks before the soil is warm enough. Sow a couple of seeds in each pot, keep them warm and thin to one plant per pot. After transplanting, use plastic mulch and windbreaks to keep the soil and plants as warm as possible. Several varieties -- including Blondy, Prelude, Clemson Spineless and Emerald -- are better adapted for cooler climates with shorter growing seasons of 50 to 55 days.

    Optimum Growing Conditions

    • The best soil for growing okra is a sandy loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. If the pH is higher, amend the soil with sulfur or peat moss to bring it down. Be sure to work the soil thoroughly and amend it as needed so it is well drained because okra does not grow well in wet soil. Soak the seeds overnight before planting to soften the hard shell casing. Plant the seeds in rows facing east to west to get the most sunshine. When laying out the rows, make them 3 feet apart, then plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. As they start to grow, thin them out to 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart for best growth. Keep them well watered, but not soaked, especially when they are flowering and the pods are developing.

    When Okra is OK

    • When the pods reach 2 to 3 inches long, you should begin harvesting. This is when they are the most tender -- they will start to get more fibrous after that. The plant will continue to produce new pods throughout the growing season, so harvest every few days. Handle them carefully when harvesting because they can easily bruise. Store them in a moist environment with a temperature of 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit; you can keep them in the refrigerator for about a week. You also can freeze the okra to use year round.

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Growing Annuals
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