Some people start their seeds indoors, but I have not found that to be helpful. I will plant mine directly in the ground in early April, but it doesn’t do much until it gets hot. Okra seeds have a tough outer covering that presents some challenges. I have heard a couple of tricks over the years. One is to put the seeds in the freezer overnight. Because of the water content in the seed, that should crack the outer shell. Another technique is to soak them in water overnight. I like to plant them 6 inches apart and then thin them later to allow for some not germinating. Even then, I will have to re-seed in places. You can be patient in hot climates because they aren’t going to do anything until it gets hot anyway, and they will continue to bear until frost. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on them when they first come up. Sometimes the hard shell on the seed will get stuck, and you need to remove it carefully. As much as it is possible, plant your okra in a place that gets the most sun.
