When to plant okra in Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6b–7b, so the right time to plant okra shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 14 in Shively to May 15 in Shelbyville — below are local dates for 46 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County metro government | 7a | April 6 | November 1 | April 20 – May 4 |
| Lexington-Fayette urban county | 7a | April 13 | October 28 | April 27 – May 11 |
| Bowling Green | 7a | April 5 | October 31 | April 19 – May 3 |
| Owensboro | 7a | April 2 | November 1 | April 16 – April 30 |
| Covington | 6b | April 16 | October 25 | April 30 – May 14 |
| Georgetown | 6b | April 18 | October 23 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Richmond | 7a | April 15 | October 22 | April 29 – May 13 |
| Florence | 6b | April 18 | October 25 | May 2 – May 16 |
Okra in Kentucky: FAQ
When can I plant okra in Kentucky?
Across Kentucky, the time to direct-sow okra spans roughly April 14 in Shively to May 15 in Shelbyville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the okra planting date vary across Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky publishes 46 cities with their own frost dates, so the right okra planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does okra take to grow in Kentucky?
Okra takes about 55–65 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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