When to plant okra in Canberra
Okra is frost-tender, so every date keys off Canberra's last spring frost of Oct 20.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Sep 22 – Oct 13
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Sow
Direct sow outdoors
Nov 3 – Nov 24
Sow straight into warm, workable soil.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Dec 23 – Jan 7
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
50 – 65 d
Canberra's 182-day season leaves this much room.
Okra on Canberra's growing year
Frost-bounded season with crops mapped onto the 12-month axis.
Frost risk Growing Harvest
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
FROST
OCT 20
APR 20
Common questions
When can I sow okra outdoors in Canberra?
Direct-sow around early November (Nov 3–Nov 24) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.
When will okra be ready to harvest in Canberra?
Expect to harvest from around late December (Dec 23–Jan 7) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 74%.
When should I start okra seeds indoors in Canberra?
Start seeds indoors around late September (Sep 22–Oct 13) in Canberra, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 78%.
How long is the growing season in Canberra?
Canberra has roughly 182 frost-free days, which is enough time to grow okra to maturity outdoors.
The rule of thumb
Sow okra 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost; plant out 2–3 weeks after it. Every date on this page is derived from that rule and Canberra's frost dates.
Confidence 82/100 · NOAA GHCN-Daily · 1991–2020 normals · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.