When to Plant Okra in Kearney 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.
Kearney County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,041 feet, Kearney County receives approximately 25.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Okra to ensure they mature before fall.
Kearney County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
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 — Kearney County, NE
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
164 days
Growing Tips for Kearney 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 Kearney County, NE?
Kearney County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kearney County, NE?
Kearney County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Kearney County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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