Okra planting spacing recommendations vary slightly depending on the source, but generally fall within these ranges:
- Rows should be spaced about 3 feet (36 inches) apart to allow for good air circulation and room for growth
- Within the row, seeds or plants should be spaced about 9 to 18 inches apart. Common recommendations are:
- Sow seeds 4 to 6 inches apart initially, then thin to 12 to 18 inches apart once seedlings are established
* Some sources suggest thinning to about 1 to 2 feet (12 to 24 inches) apart between plants for mature okra
- For hybrid varieties, spacing may be around 30 x 45 cm (about 12 x 18 inches) or 60 x 45 cm (24 x 18 inches)
- When planting in rows, spacing of 3 to 6 feet between rows and 9 to 12 inches between plants in the row is also recommended
In summary, a practical planting scheme is:
- Space rows 3 feet apart.
- Sow seeds 4-6 inches apart in the row.
- Thin plants to about 12-18 inches apart once they are a few inches tall.
This spacing ensures healthy growth, good air flow, and manageable plant size for harvesting
. Additional tips:
- Soak seeds overnight before planting to improve germination
- Plant seeds about 1 inch deep in warm soil
This spacing guideline balances plant health and yield potential effectively.