When to plant Okra in Dade County, MO
Dade County's climate puts the Okra spring window between April 15 and May 6. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.
When to Plant Okra in Dade County, MO
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.
Dade County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 660 feet, Dade County receives approximately 37.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Okra during the growing season.
Dade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Okra to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 16 okra plants in about 32 sq ft. In Dade County's 201-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Monthly Watering Guide for Okra
Okra needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Okra Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dade County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Okra Planting Timeline — Dade County, MO
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Dade County
Growing Tips for Dade 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 Dade County, MO?
Dade County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dade County, MO?
Dade County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Okra in Dade County, MO?
In Dade County, MO, plant Okra after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dade County, MO for Okra?
Dade County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Okra grows reliably in zones 5a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Okra grow in Dade County's climate?
Yes — Okra grows well in Dade County's temperate climate. Dade County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.
Your Dade County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dade County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.