Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)  

Also known as lady’s fingers, gumbo, bhendi, or bamia is a heat-loving summer crop grown for tender pods, perfect for soups, stews, and stir-fries. 

Start indoors in May, or direct sow in late spring once soil is consistently above 20°C. Transplant after all frost risk has passed. Space plants 25–45 cm (10–18″) apart with about 90 cm (36″) between rows. Harvest starts about 40–50 days after transplanting and continues until frost. Pick often, choosing pods 7–12 cm (3–5″) long for the best tenderness and to keep plants producing.  Chigarden 2026