When to Plant Okra in Monroe County, MO
Okra is a heat-loving tropical plant that produces edible seed pods. It thrives in hot summers and produces beautiful hibiscus-like flowers before setting pods.
Monroe County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 1,128 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Okra to ensure they mature before fall.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Okra Planting Timeline — Monroe County, MO
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–65 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
190 days
Growing Tips for Monroe County
Direct sow after soil reaches 65F. Soak seeds overnight to improve germination. Harvest pods when 2-4 inches long and still tender; they become tough if left too long.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Okra in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Okra in Monroe County, MO?
Monroe County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, MO?
Monroe County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Monroe County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.