key growing information

Growing Okra From Seed

How to grow okra: starting transplants in warm soil, spacing, row cover, direct sowing, harvesting pods young and seeding rates.

By Hensley’s Seed Co. September 3, 2026

Okra - Key Growing Information

Okra plant being grown on mulch to enhance soil temperature, showing blossom as well as developing pods.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Abelmoschus esculentus

CULTURE:

Plant 3 seeds ¼" deep in each 2" pot or plug trays4–5 weeks before planting out, which should wait until frost danger is past and the soil is warm. Hold the mix at 80–90°F (27–32°C) for quick germination, then thin to one seedling per pot or cell. Set plants 12–18" apart in rows 3' apart, without disturbing the roots, and use row cover to keep plants and soil warmer.

DIRECT SEEDING:

Once frost danger is past and the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C), sow ½" deep and 2" apart, then thin to 12–18".

HARVEST:

Pick pods often, at 3–4" long, to keep plants producing; big pods turn tough.

AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE:

At 6 seeds per foot in 36" rows: about 78' per oz., 13 oz. per 1,000', or 12 lb. per acre.

TRANSPLANTS:

On average, 1 oz. fills about 155 pots or cells, and 2,500 pots or cells per DAYS TO MATURITY: From transplant.

SEED SPECS:

SEEDS/LB.: about 9,000 on average.

PACKET:

50 seeds.