GardenHow to grow okra (bhindi)
भिंडी. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsFebruary and March, June and July
South and coastal IndiaMay and June, October to February
HillsApril to June
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow the seed straight where the plant will grow.
- Depth
- 2 cm
- Spacing
- 30 cm
- In a pot
- Two plants in a pot 30 cm wide and deep
- Sprouts in
- 5 to 10 days
- Harvest
- 45 to 60 days
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Soak the seeds in water overnight before sowing. They sprout faster and more evenly.
- Pick the pods every second day when they are finger length. Left longer, they turn woody and the plant slows down.
- Okra loves heat and full sun. It sulks in cold soil, so do not sow before the nights turn warm.
What can go wrong
Yellow veins on the leaves are yellow vein mosaic, a virus spread by whitefly. Pull out affected plants early and choose a resistant variety next time.
Sown around the same time
TomatoBrinjalChilliBottle gourd (lauki)Bitter gourd (karela)Ridge gourd (tori)CucumberPumpkin (kaddu)
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is okra sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for okra are February and March, June and July.
How long does okra take to grow?
Usually 45 to 60 days.
Can okra be grown in a pot?
Yes. Two plants in a pot 30 cm wide and deep.