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When to plant Okra in Lee County, KY

In Lee County, plant Okra in spring between April 25 and May 16, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Lee County's last frost averages April 18, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 50–65 days before the first frost on October 21.

When to Plant Okra in Lee County, KY

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.

Lee County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 3,433 feet, Lee County receives approximately 52.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Okra during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Okra root diseases.

Lee County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Okra to Grow

2-3 lbs
Average yield per plant
4
Plants per person
8 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 16 okra plants in about 32 sq ft. In Lee County's 186-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Okra Planting Timeline — Lee County, KY

Okra Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 22

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April 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

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Okra in Lee County, KY?

Lee County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, KY?

Lee County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Okra in Lee County, KY?

In Lee County, KY, plant Okra after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, KY for Okra?

Lee County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Okra grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Okra grow in Lee County's climate?

Yes — Okra grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lee County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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