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When to plant Okra in Atchison County, MO

Spring Okra in Atchison County goes in April 29–May 20, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Okra in Atchison County, MO

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.

Atchison County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 1,206 feet, Atchison County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Okra to ensure they mature before fall.

Atchison County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Atchison 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 Atchison County's 174-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Okra Planting Timeline — Atchison County, MO

Okra Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 – May 20
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Harvest July 1 Jul 1 – Aug 26

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
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

174 days in Atchison County

Growing Tips for Atchison 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 Atchison County, MO?

Atchison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Atchison County, MO?

Atchison County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.

When should I plant Okra in Atchison County, MO?

In Atchison County, MO, plant Okra after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Atchison County, MO for Okra?

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

Can Okra grow in Atchison County's climate?

Yes — Okra grows well in Atchison County's temperate climate. Atchison County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 13.

🌱

Your Atchison County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Atchison County (Zone 5b). 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 Atchison County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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