If you’re planning your Oklahoma garden, knowing when to plant okra is the key to a great harvest. This heat-loving vegetable thrives in our long summers, but timing is everything to avoid a late spring frost. Let’s look at the best planting times for okra across the state and how to get your plants off to a strong start.
When to Plant Okra in Oklahoma – Best Planting Times For
For most of Oklahoma, the ideal window for planting okra is from late April through mid-May. You want to wait until the soil is thoroughly warm and all danger of frost has passed. Okra seeds simply won’t germinate well in cool, damp soil.
Understanding Your Oklahoma Growing Zone
Oklahoma spans USDA hardiness zones 6a to 8a. This means planting dates can shift by a week or two depending on your location.
- Southern Oklahoma (Zones 7b-8a): You can often plant as early as mid-April. The soil warms up quicker here.
- Central Oklahoma (Zone 7a): Aim for late April to early May. This is the safe bet for the Oklahoma City area.
- Northern Oklahoma (Zones 6a-6b): Hold off until early to mid-May. It’s crucial to watch the nighttime temperatures up near Tulsa and beyond.
A good rule of thumb is to plant okra about two weeks after your last average spring frost date. You can find your local frost dates through the OSU Extension service.
Soil Temperature: The Real Secret
Air temperature is one thing, but soil temperature is what really matters for okra. Your seeds need warm soil to sprout reliably.
- Use a soil thermometer to check the temperature at a 4-inch depth.
- Okra germinates best when soil is consistently at least 65°F.
- For ideal, rapid germination, aim for 70°F to 95°F.
Planting into cold soil can cause seeds to rot. If you’re eager to start, you can warm the soil by covering it with black plastic for a week or two before planting.
How to Plant Okra Successfully
Once your timing is right, follow these steps for a healthy crop. Okra is surprisingly low-maintenance once established.
Choosing a Site and Preparing Soil
Okra demands full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It also prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches, breaking up any clods.
- Mix in 2 to 3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage and fertility.
- Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, between 6.0 and 7.0.
Direct Seeding vs. Transplants
Okra has a sensitive taproot and usually does best when sown directly in the garden.
- Direct Seeding: Soak seeds in water for 12-24 hours before planting to soften the hard seed coat. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, spacing them 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart.
- Using Transplants: If you start seeds indoors, do so only 3-4 weeks before your outdoor planting date. Use biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing the roots during transplant.
Caring for Your Okra Plants
Proper care after planting ensures a long, productive season that can last right up to the first fall frost.
Watering and Feeding
Water deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water. Soaker hoses are excellent for keeping foliage dry and preventing disease. Once plants are about 6 inches tall, side-dress them with a balanced fertilizer or compost. A second feeding when the first pods appear can boost pod set.
Weeding and Harvesting Tips
Keep the area around young plants weed-free. As okra grows tall (some varieties reach 6 feet!), its large leaves will shade out weeds. The most critical tip is to harvest pods frequently, every 2 to 3 days.
- Harvest pods when they are 2 to 4 inches long. They become tough and woody if left too long.
- Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the stem just above the pod cap.
- Wear gloves and long sleeves, as okra leaves and pods can irritate some people’s skin.
Regular harvesting signals the plant to produce more flowers and pods. If you miss a few and they grow to large, simply cut them off and compost them to keep the plant productive.
Dealing with Common Oklahoma Garden Challenges
Our weather can be unpredictable. Here’s how to handle it.
- Late Spring Frost: If you’ve planted and a surprise frost is forecast, cover young plants with frost cloth or row covers.
- Cool, Wet Springs: If the weather turns soggy after planting, be patient. Germination will be slow until things warm up.
- Intense Summer Heat: Okra loves heat! But during extreme drought, increase watering slightly to prevent stress.
Aphids and stink bugs can sometimes be a problem. Blast them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent fungal leaf spot.
Can You Plant a Second Crop?
In Oklahoma, our growing season is long enough for a succesful second planting. If you want a continuous supply or had an early crop fail, you can plant a second round of okra in early to mid-June. This will give you a fresh batch of plants producing pods into late September or early October, just make sure they get plenty of water to establish during the summer heat.
Recommended Okra Varieties for Oklahoma
Choosing a variety suited to our climate improves your results. Here are some reliable performers:
- Clemson Spineless: The classic choice. Reliable, high-yielding, and less irritating to harvest.
- Emerald: Produces long, slender, dark green pods that stay tender longer.
- Annie Oakley II: A hybrid that’s compact, good for smaller spaces, and produces early.
- Burgundy: Adds ornamental value with beautiful red stems and pods that turn green when cooked.
FAQ: Your Okra Planting Questions Answered
What is the absolute last date to plant okra in Oklahoma?
You can plant as late as early July for a fall harvest, but the plants will have a shorter pod-producing period. Mid-June is a safer cutoff for a full harvest.
Can I plant okra from store-bought pods?
It’s not recommended. Many commercial okra varieties are hybrids, and seeds from them may not produce true to type. Also, the pods are often harvested too mature for viable seed saving. It’s best to buy fresh seeds each season.
How long does it take for okra to grow after planting?
Most okra varieties begin to produce harvestable pods 50 to 60 days after planting. The warmer the weather, the faster they will grow.
Should I rotate where I plant okra each year?
Yes, this is a good practice. Rotate okra with other plant families (like legumes or tomatoes) to help prevent a buildup of soil-borne diseases that can affect it and related crops like cotton and hibiscus.
My okra flowers but no pods form. What’s wrong?
This is often due to extreme heat stress during flowering or a lack of pollinators. While okra is often self-pollinating, very high temperatures (above 95°F) can interfere with pod development. Ensure plants have adequate water during heatwaves.
Getting your okra planting timing right in Oklahoma sets the stage for months of good eating. By waiting for warm soil, choosing a sunny spot, and harvesting diligently, you’ll enjoy this Southern staple from your own backyard all summer long. Remember, a little patience in the spring leads to a bounty later on.