When to Plant Okra in Fillmore County, NE
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.
Fillmore County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 733 feet, Fillmore County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Okra to ensure they mature before fall.
Fillmore County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.4
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.
Soil Compatibility in Fillmore County
How your county's soil matches Okra's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.4) is within Okra's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Fillmore County is excellent for Okra — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Okra.
How to Plant Okra
Succession Planting Okra
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Okra
Okra needs approximately 0.9 inches of water per week (3.9" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Okra Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 3.1" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 2.4" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Fillmore County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Okra Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Okra Planting Timeline — Fillmore County, NE
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Fillmore County
Growing Tips for Okra in Fillmore County
Direct sow Okra outdoors after April 22 in Fillmore County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Okra in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Okra in Fillmore County, NE?
Fillmore County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fillmore County, NE?
Fillmore County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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