Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Okra in Washington

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

The Short Answer

Okra in Washington State is an eastern-Washington-only proposition. The hot, dry conditions of the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin provide the sustained heat okra demands. Western Washington's cool maritime climate cannot support okra production — the crop needs consistent temperatures above 85°F that Puget Sound gardens never achieve.

Washington Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) 8a, 8b Mar 25 - Apr 15 Oct 25 - Nov 15
Puget Sound 8b, 9a Mar 15 - Apr 5 Nov 1 - Nov 20
Eastern Washington 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 15
Central Washington 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 20 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 20

Okra Planting Schedule for Washington

Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 15

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

Puget Sound (Zones 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 20

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

Eastern Washington (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 25 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15

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

Central Washington (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 20

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

Growing Okra in Washington

State-Specific Growing Tips

Eastern Washington: direct sow from late May when soil reaches 65°F. Soak seeds overnight. The hot, dry conditions produce good okra, though production may be lighter than in the Deep South because eastern Washington's nights cool significantly (often into the 50s). Full sun and drip irrigation. Western Washington: do not attempt. Even in containers against south-facing walls, the maritime climate lacks sufficient heat accumulation for any okra production. WSU Extension does not include okra in western Washington vegetable recommendations.

Recommended Varieties for Washington

Eastern Washington: Clemson Spineless is the safest choice. Annie Oakley II for early maturity in the state's shorter heat window compared to the South. Skip varieties that need 70+ days to produce — eastern Washington's heat season is intense but compressed.

Common Challenges in Washington

Eastern Washington: spider mites in hot, dry conditions. Aphids on new growth. Minimal disease thanks to low humidity. Cool nights may slow production compared to southern states. Western Washington: the climate is simply unsuitable — not a challenge to overcome but a reality to accept.

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 in Washington with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Western Washington (Seattle/Tacoma) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 25 - Apr 15, while Central Washington sees frost end around Apr 20 - May 10. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Washington Planting Calendar All plants for Washington 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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