When to Plant Okra in Tulare County, CA
Your April gardening checklist
April is a pivotal month for Tulare County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Basket week: okra
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this April that'll pay off in May
- First harvests: okra
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.
Tulare County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.
At an elevation of 5,836 feet, Tulare County receives approximately 18.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Okra may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Okra successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Tulare County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Tulare County
How your county's soil matches Okra's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.2) overlaps with Okra's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Tulare County is excellent for Okra — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Okra.
How to Plant Okra
Succession Planting Okra
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 29 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.9" | 3.7" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 1.5" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.9" | 0.5" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 0.1" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 0" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 0.2" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 0.7" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Tulare 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 — Tulare County, CA
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 6 | Jan 6 – Jan 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Direct Sow | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 10 |
| Harvest | April 21 | Apr 21 – Jun 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
289 days in Tulare County
Growing Tips for Okra in Tulare County
Direct sow Okra outdoors after February 17 in Tulare County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Tulare County receives only 18" of rain annually. Okra needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Tulare County, CA?
Tulare County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tulare County, CA?
Tulare County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is December 3.
Your Tulare County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Tulare County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.