Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Okra in Hawaii

A Southern garden staple that thrives in blazing heat. Beautiful flowers are a bonus.

The Short Answer

In Hawaii, okra planting dates vary by region. In Coastal Hawaii, your average last frost is around None, while Upcountry/Mountain sees its last frost around Rare. Since okra are frost-sensitive, start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost, then transplant outside 3 weeks after frost danger has passed. Volcanic soils — extremely fertile but can be acidic. Excellent drainage on slopes. Varies dramatically by island and...

Hawaii Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Hawaii you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Coastal Hawaii 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a None None
Upcountry/Mountain 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Okra Planting Schedule for Hawaii

Coastal Hawaii (Zones 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a)

Average last frost: None · Average first frost: None

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks after frost
Direct Sow
3 wks after frost

Upcountry/Mountain (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

Start Seeds Indoors
4 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
3 wks after frost
Direct Sow
3 wks after frost

Growing Okra in Hawaii

Okra in Hawaii'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 Hawaii

Volcanic soils — extremely fertile but can be acidic. Excellent drainage on slopes. Varies dramatically by island and elevation. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 65°F before planting okra outside.

Hawaii Climate & Growing Season

Tropical. Year-round growing season at lower elevations. Elevation creates microclimates. Plant warm-season crops anytime. 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 Hawaii: Coastal Hawaii (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a) has a last frost around None, while Upcountry/Mountain (10a, 10b, 11a) sees frost end around Rare. 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:

Peppers Melons Sunflowers

The Bottom Line

Okra can be grown successfully across Hawaii, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Coastal Hawaii gardeners should plan around a None last frost, while those in Upcountry/Mountain can typically plant later. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Okra Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Hawaii Planting Calendar All plants for Hawaii Okra in Alabama Alabama planting dates Okra in Alaska Alaska planting dates Okra in Arizona Arizona planting dates Okra in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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