Okra Abelmoschus esculentus
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an annual vegetable in the Malvaceae family. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
Plan Okra in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Okra at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–9 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 70 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: young pods, leaves |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Okra toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Okra is non-toxic to people and pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Okra
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Okra
- How far apart should I plant Okra?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Okra need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Okra need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Okra?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Okra flower?
- About 6–9 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks.
- Is Okra poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Okra is non-toxic to people and pets.
- What grows well with Okra?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Okra. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Heat-loving; stalls below about 15 C.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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