How to grow okra

There are several varieties of okra to choose from, producing plants of various sizes. The pods are usually green, but there are varieties with red, pink or white pods.

Sow okra seeds indoors in March or April – soak them for two hours in warm water beforehand, then sow individually into small pots or modular trays filled with moist, peat-free compost. Place in a lidded propagator or cover with a clear polythene bag and keep above 16°C (60°F). An airing cupboard is ideal for germination.

Once seedlings appear, remove the covering and place in good light. Keep warm and water regularly. Transfer into larger pots as they grow.

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Transplant seedlings from modules into larger pots once they are growing well

Once young okra plants are 10–15cm (4–6in) tall, in late May or June, transfer them to their final growing location. In the UK, it’s best to keep okra in a greenhouse, either in large pots, growing bags or a greenhouse border, but in really warm locations you could try planting them outside. Four or five okra plants should produce sufficient harvests for most families.

To plant in a container – choose a pot that’s at least 30cm (1ft) wide and deep, and fill with peat-free multi-purpose compost. Position one okra plant in the centre, at the same level it was previously growing, firm in and water well. Alternatively, plant two in a standard growing bag.

To plant in a greenhouse border – enrich the soil with garden compost or well-rotted manure, then space plants 30–90cm (1–3ft) apart, depending on the variety (see seed packet or plant label for exact spacing).

To plant outdoors – in warmer areas, okra can be planted outside in a sunny, sheltered spot, but will need a hot summer to crop successfully. Plant either in large (30cm/12in) containers filled with peat-free multi-purpose compost, or in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with garden compost or well-rotted manure. Warm the soil with cloches for a couple of weeks before planting. Meanwhile, harden off the young okra plants to gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions. Plant one per 30cm (12in) pot, or space them 30–90cm (1–3ft) apart in the ground, and water thoroughly. Cover with cloches or plastic-free fleece for several more weeks until growing strongly.

If you're practising no-dig in your garden, mulch the soil with garden compost or well-rotted manure and plant directly into the mulch. 

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Okra can be planted outdoors if you have a sunny, sheltered spot

Okra plants produce pods from mid-summer until temperatures drop in autumn, often up to the first frost. Regular picking encourages more pods to form. Harvest the pods when tender and immature, about 5–10cm (2–4in) long – large mature pods become tough and stringy. Handle them gently as the skin is easily marked.

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Use secateurs or a sharp knife to harvest the pods, cutting through the thin stalk

When sliced, the pods produce a sticky liquid during cooking, ideal for thickening stews and curries. They can also be cooked whole in stir-fries, or steamed or sautéed as a side dish.

Okra needs plenty of heat to crop well, so with plants growing outdoors, even in a warm, sunny spot, expect fewer fruits than on plants growing in a greenhouse. A steady supply of moisture is also essential, especially when plants are flowering and fruiting. Under glass, look out for red spider mites and whitefly, and take action at the first sign – biological controls are available. To deter them, improve air circulation by opening greenhouse doors and vents, and raise humidity by damping down (pouring water on) the floor. For more tips on these and other issues, see Common problems, below.