When to Plant Okra in Arizona
A Southern garden staple that thrives in blazing heat. Beautiful flowers are a bonus.
The Short Answer
Arizona Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Arizona you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) | 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a | May 15 - Jun 5 | Sep 15 - Oct 10 |
| Central Arizona (Phoenix) | 9a, 9b, 10a | Jan 15 - Feb 10 | Dec 1 - Dec 20 |
| Southern Arizona (Tucson) | 8b, 9a, 9b | Feb 1 - Feb 25 | Nov 20 - Dec 15 |
Okra Planting Schedule for Arizona
Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 10
Central Arizona (Phoenix) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)
Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 1 - Dec 20
Southern Arizona (Tucson) (Zones 8b, 9a, 9b)
Average last frost: Feb 1 - Feb 25 · Average first frost: Nov 20 - Dec 15
Growing Okra in Arizona
Okra in Arizona's Climate
Okra is a subtropical superstar. It produces year-round in south Florida and through the warm months everywhere else. While most vegetables shut down in July-August heat, okra keeps producing. The crop's tropical African origins make it perfectly adapted to your conditions.
Soil Considerations for Arizona
Alkaline, mineral-rich desert soils. Low organic matter. Heavy amendment with compost essential. Caliche layers may need to be broken. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 65°F before planting okra outside.
Arizona Climate & Growing Season
Extreme heat in summer lowlands. Two planting seasons in Phoenix — spring and fall (summer is too hot). High elevation has traditional cold-climate seasons. Okra cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
Growing season length varies across Arizona: Northern Arizona (Flagstaff) (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 5, while Southern Arizona (Tucson) (8b, 9a, 9b) sees frost end around Feb 1 - Feb 25. This difference matters for okra — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
Growing Tips
Soak seeds overnight before planting to speed germination. Harvest pods at 3-4 inches — they get tough quickly.
Companion Planting
Plant okra alongside these companions for better growth:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026