Growing okra: timing, spacing and costs by zone
When to plant okra in Zones 6–9, spacing, and what to know before you commit ground.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
When to plant
Okra: warm-season, will not take a frost. Plant when soil reaches 75–95°F. Dates below are averages worked out from each zone's frost dates — check your own field.
- Zone 6b (Boone NC): seed May 8 – May 29. First picking around July 14 – August 11.
- Zone 7b (Raleigh): seed April 22 – May 13. First picking around June 28 – July 26.
- Zone 8b (Charleston SC): seed March 29 – April 19. First picking around June 4 – July 2.
- Zone 9a (Gainesville FL): seed March 11 – April 1. First picking around May 17 – June 14.
Setting it up
Direct-seed in the field. Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart, about 1 inch deep. Expect roughly 60 days to first harvest.
Field notes
Soak seed overnight to speed germination. Harvest pods at 3–4 inches every other day or they turn woody.
How it fits each zone
- Zone 6b: good — Okra is frost-tender, so timing the outdoor transplant to the last frost matters more here than in warmer zones. Row cover buys 2 weeks of head start.
- Zone 7b: excellent — Okra is well suited to Zone 7b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 8b: excellent — Okra is well suited to Zone 8b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 9a: excellent — Okra is well suited to Zone 9a. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
Before you plant
Line up who will buy it and at what price before seed goes in the ground. See the planting calendar for your exact zone.