To plant okra effectively, follow these spacing guidelines:
- Sow okra seeds about 1 inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart within rows initially
- Space rows about 3 feet apart to allow for good air circulation and sunlight exposure
- After seedlings grow several inches tall, thin them so the remaining plants are spaced 1.5 to 2 feet apart within the row to ensure healthy growth and reduce competition
Additional notes:
- Some gardeners plant seeds 9 to 12 inches apart initially and then thin to one plant per 9 to 12 inches
- In warmer climates, spacing plants about 12 inches apart may be sufficient, but taller plants may require more space to avoid shading each other
- In cooler climates or greenhouse settings, spacing can range from 30 to 90 cm (about 1 to 3 feet) depending on plant size and growing conditions
In summary, start with seeds 4-6 inches apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart, then thin to about 18-24 inches between plants for optimal growth.
