When to Plant Okra in Las Animas County, CO
May in Las Animas County, Colorado — your action list
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Las Animas County, Colorado this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Move okra from tray to bed
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Seed okra outdoors
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
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.
Las Animas County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 5,352 feet, Las Animas County receives approximately 20.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Okra during the growing season.
Las Animas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.9
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 Las Animas County
How your county's soil matches Okra's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.9) overlaps with Okra's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Las Animas County is excellent for Okra — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Okra.
How to Plant Okra
Succession Planting Okra
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 31 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.9" | 2.5" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.9" | 1.6" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.9" | 1.7" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.9" | 1.5" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.9" | 1.8" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Las Animas 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 — Las Animas County, CO
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Direct Sow | May 17 | May 17 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 13 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
147 days in Las Animas County
Growing Tips for Okra in Las Animas County
Direct sow Okra outdoors after May 10 in Las Animas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Las Animas County receives only 20" 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 Las Animas County, CO?
Las Animas County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Las Animas County, CO?
Las Animas County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Las Animas County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Las Animas County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.