When to Plant Okra in Comanche County, TX
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.
Comanche County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 240 days.
At an elevation of 2,216 feet, Comanche County receives approximately 59.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.
Comanche County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.5
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 Comanche County
How your county's soil matches Okra's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.5) is within Okra's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Comanche County is excellent for Okra — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Okra.
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 Sep 10 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.9" | 3.4" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.9" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.9" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.9" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.9" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.9" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.9" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.9" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.9" | 1.9" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Comanche 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 — Comanche County, TX
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.9"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–65 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
240 days in Comanche County
Growing Tips for Okra in Comanche County
Direct sow Okra outdoors after March 19 in Comanche County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Comanche County, TX?
Comanche County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Comanche County, TX?
Comanche County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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