When to plant Okra in Watonwan County, MN
For Watonwan County, gardeners: plant Okra May 6 through May 27 once soil reads 50°F.
When to Plant Okra in Watonwan County, MN
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.
Watonwan County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 984 feet, Watonwan County receives approximately 33.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Okra to ensure they mature before fall.
Watonwan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Okra to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 16 okra plants in about 32 sq ft. In Watonwan County's 160-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Okra Planting Timeline — Watonwan County, MN
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
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Watonwan County
Growing Tips for Watonwan 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 →
Okra in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Okra in Watonwan County, MN?
Watonwan 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 Watonwan County, MN?
Watonwan County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Okra in Watonwan County, MN?
In Watonwan County, MN, plant Okra after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Watonwan County, MN for Okra?
Watonwan County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Okra grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Okra grow in Watonwan County's climate?
Yes — Okra grows well in Watonwan County's temperate climate. Watonwan County averages a 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 6.
Your Watonwan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Watonwan County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.