Fife Creek Cowhorn

Okra

Zone 3b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Fife Creek Cowhorn

🌱 60d to harvest Upright

Tender pods of Fife Creek Cowhorn arrive in a steady parade, draped in a rich deep forest-green and shaped like graceful, gently …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 19th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 2nd
Harvest Begins	Aug 1st
Harvest Ends	Sep 21st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	12

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease issue commonly affects Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), and how do I control it?

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) commonly suffers from aphids and occasional fungal leaf spots. Check plants 2–3 times per week; if you see dense aphid clusters, spray them off with a strong jet of water and repeat every 2–3 days for several rounds, or use insecticidal soap if populations persist. For leaf spot, remove badly affected leaves, water at soil level (not from above), and improve airflow by spacing plants so foliage dries quickly after rain.

How often should I water okra during its main growing phase?

During the main growing period (after plants are established and flowering begins), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week, aiming for roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total depending on heat and soil, and adjust to shorter, lighter waterings during hot spells. If leaves start to wilt in the afternoon and the top inch of soil is dry, increase frequency rather than adding frequent light sips.

How can I tell when Abelmoschus esculentus is ready to harvest?

Harvest okra pods about 2–3 days after flowering, when they’re young and still tender—typically around 3–5 inches (7–12 cm) long for most home gardens. Pods that feel tough, are hard to pierce with a fingernail, or are oversized and bulging with large seeds are past prime. Check every 1–2 days once production starts, because pods mature quickly and leaving them longer reduces ongoing pod formation.

Tender pods of Fife Creek Cowhorn arrive in a steady parade, draped in a rich deep forest-green and shaped like graceful, gently ridged horns. Slice through with a crisp, succulent bite and a mild, clean flavor that shines in quick skillet favorites, hearty stews, and silky sauces—plus it’s a natural for pickling when you want a tangy crunch. At about 60 days from sowing, this market-class okra rewards home gardeners with reliable harvests and a distinctly elegant pod silhouette.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 12 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

If you choose to start indoors, warm the soil thoroughly and transplant only after nights stay reliably warm to avoid slow, stunted growth.