When to Plant Okra in Martin 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.
Martin County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 4,922 feet, Martin County receives approximately 50.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Okra may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Okra will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Okra root diseases.
Martin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy 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 Martin County's 232-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Okra Planting Timeline — Martin County, TX
Okra Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Martin County
Growing Tips for Martin 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 Martin County, TX?
Martin County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Okra planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Martin County, TX?
Martin County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Martin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Martin County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.