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Companion planting is a powerful and sustainable gardening method that pairs mutually beneficial plants together. When growing okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), pairing it with the right companions can increase yield, improve soil health, and reduce pests—without chemicals.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the best and worst okra companion plants, while also giving you detailed growth requirements for each plant, ensuring you’re fully prepared to build a thriving garden.
| Name | Language/Region |
|---|---|
| Ladies’ Finger | Common in British English-speaking countries (India, UK, Africa) |
| Gumbo | Southern United States, especially in Cajun and Creole cuisine |
| Bhindi | Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi (India, Pakistan) |
| Bamia | Arabic-speaking countries |
| Quiabo | Portuguese (Brazil, Portugal) |
| Gumbo | French (also used in Louisiana Creole) |
| Okro | West Africa (e.g., Ghana, Nigeria) |
| Bamya | Turkish and Balkan countries |
| Kacang Bendi | Malay (Malaysia, Indonesia) |
| Vendakkai | Tamil (South India) |
| Vendakka | Malayalam (Kerala, India) |
| Bhendi | Marathi (Maharashtra, India) |
| Dherosh | Bengali (West Bengal, Bangladesh) |
| Okura | Japanese |
These alternative names reflect okra’s widespread cultivation and culinary importance across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Scientific Name: Abelmoschus esculentus
Sun Exposure: Full Sun (6–8+ hours daily)
Soil pH: 6.0–6.8 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Soil Type: Loamy, well-draining, organically rich
Water Requirement: Moderate (1 inch/week)
Ideal Temperature: 75°F to 95°F (24°C to 35°C)
Full Grown Time: 50–65 days from transplanting
Okra is a heat-loving plant that requires consistent sunlight and warm temperatures to thrive. It performs best in well-aerated soil with good drainage and steady moisture.
Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy loam
Water Requirement: High
Ideal Temperature: 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C)
Full Grown Time: 50–70 days
Why It Works: Cucumbers benefit from the same heat and sun exposure. Their sprawling vines act as ground cover, reducing weeds and conserving soil moisture.
Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Soil pH: 6.0–6.8
Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained
Water Requirement: Moderate
Ideal Temperature: 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C)
Full Grown Time: 60–90 days
Why It Works: Peppers attract pollinators and repel some pests. They enjoy similar environmental needs, making them ideal okra neighbors.
Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining
Water Requirement: Moderate
Ideal Temperature: 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C)
Full Grown Time: 60–90 days
Why It Works: Basil repels aphids, thrips, and whiteflies. It also enhances the flavor of okra and attracts beneficial insects.
Scientific Name: Raphanus sativus
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil pH: 6.0–7.0
Soil Type: Loose, well-drained
Water Requirement: Moderate
Ideal Temperature: 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C)
Full Grown Time: 25–30 days
Why It Works: Radishes grow quickly, aerate the soil, and act as a trap crop for flea beetles.
Scientific Name: Lactuca sativa
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil pH: 6.0–6.8
Soil Type: Loose, rich in organic matter
Water Requirement: Moderate to High
Ideal Temperature: 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C)
Full Grown Time: 30–60 days
Why It Works: Lettuce matures quickly and can grow in the partial shade of okra during the early season.
Scientific Name: Tropaeolum majus
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil pH: 6.1–7.8
Soil Type: Light, well-draining
Water Requirement: Low to Moderate
Ideal Temperature: 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C)
Full Grown Time: 35–52 days
Why It Works: A natural pest deterrent that attracts aphids away from okra. Also attracts pollinators and adds beauty.
Scientific Name: Cucumis melo
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Soil pH: 6.0–6.5
Soil Type: Sandy, well-drained
Water Requirement: High
Ideal Temperature: 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C)
Full Grown Time: 70–100 days
Why It Works: Melons provide ground cover, which suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture without disturbing okra roots.
Inhibits the growth of nearby plants by releasing allelopathic chemicals.
Competes with okra for nutrients and attracts shared pests like aphids and cabbage worms.
May harbor nematodes and soil diseases that harm okra.
Rotate crops yearly to avoid soil exhaustion.
Intercrop with herbs and flowers to support pollinators.
Avoid overcrowding; okra grows tall and needs airflow.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Must Read: How to Grow Cilantro (Coriander) at Home
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) belongs to the Malvaceae family, which also includes hibiscus and cotton! That’s why okra flowers are so ornamental—they closely resemble hibiscus blooms.
Although widely cultivated in India and the United States, okra is believed to have originated in Ethiopia and was later spread to the Middle East, India, and the Americas through trade and migration.
What “slimy” texture is okra known for? It’s due to mucilage, a gel-like substance that’s rich in soluble fiber—great for digestion and used to thicken soups like gumbo.
NASA has studied okra as a potential food crop for astronauts due to its high nutritional value, quick growth cycle, and adaptability in controlled environments.
Pods: Eaten fresh, cooked, or pickled.
Leaves: Can be used like spinach.
Seeds: Dried and ground as a coffee substitute or pressed for okra seed oil, which is high in unsaturated fats.
Stems: Fiber from okra stems can be used to make ropes and paper.
Recommended: How to Grow Snake Plant from Leaf
Okra is:
Rich in Vitamin C, K, and A
A good source of folate, fiber, and magnesium
Low in calories but high in antioxidants like quercetin and flavonoids
In Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and African herbal practices, okra is used to treat:
Sore throats
Ulcers
Inflammation
High blood sugar
Okra’s large, creamy-yellow flowers are not just pretty—they also attract bees and butterflies, improving pollination for other garden crops.
Plant okra with basil or nasturtiums to boost pollination and deter pests like aphids—a natural win-win!
Companion planting with Abelmoschus esculentus isn’t just folklore—it’s science-backed gardening. When you match okra with compatible species like basil, cucumbers, radishes, and melons, your garden becomes more productive, resilient, and sustainable.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, applying these companion planting strategies will help you get healthier okra plants and higher yields—naturally.
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