← Back to results
Okra — Abelmoschus esculentus

Okra

Abelmoschus esculentus

Malvaceae · Vegetable

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is one of the most widely grown edibles for USDA zones 7-13. It thrives in full sun with low water and low upkeep, making it a dependable choice for home gardeners.

  • · Give it full sun and space to reach 3-6 ft.
  • · Water at a low rate and let the soil drain freely.
  • · Feed in spring and tidy up dead growth to keep it productive.

Serving Ideas

Typically cooked — roasted, steamed or sautéed — and served as a side dish or stirred into soups, stews and grain bowls.

Recommended: grow and source this plant without synthetic chemicals or pesticides, and rinse thoroughly before eating.

IMPORTANT: please verify food safety independently. Errors and omissions may occur.

At a glance

  • Growing zones: 7-13
  • Sun: Full sun
  • Water: Low
  • Maintenance: Low
  • Type: Vegetable
  • Mature size: 3-6 ft tall · 1-2 ft wide
  • Bloom season: Summer · Yellow, cream
  • Pollinator friendly: Yes
  • Container suitable: Yes
  • Cold tolerance: Hardy to 0F
  • Heat tolerance: Excellent
  • Soil: Well-drained, lean soil
  • Growth rate: Moderate
Buy Seeds · SeedsNow

Affiliate link — gardens.net earns a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

More vegetables