I've heard, that in frost free environments, it can grow as a Perennial. But that's all I know about it.

George
Tahlequah, OK

Frost does kill it quickly, and cool weather slows it down a lot. 40s and 50s just about stops it, has been my experience. It does love hot weather. It really does not do much in my garden until the weather and soil warm up, then it grows rapidly. Consequently, I do not see much point in trying to over winter it, at least here where I am.
Just my .02
Bill P.

As above, It grows easly, why overwinter it and waste the effort and RESOURCES. Plant something else.
1eyedJack and the Dawg

Thanks guys.

It doesn't grow well here (not warm enough probably). I finally have some buds showing up on my 12" tall plants. I may keep one or two to see if a head start will help next year. Doubtful, but they certainly aren't taking up too much space at this point. And hey--nobody around here will have a clue what kind of plant they are cuz nobody is stupid enough to plant okra that won't grow! I can pass them off as ornamental.

Well, that sounds like a plan that might be viable in your area and for your stated purposes fori.

and as a member of the Hibiscus family has some pretty blooms too. That should put them into the ornamental category, and if you just happen to be able to eat the seed pods, so what, all the more better. ":^)
Again, good luck with them and let us know what happens.
Bill P.

Pretty AND snail-proof!

If only it'd grow. I'll report back on its fate. Cool damp winters will probably get it but I'm not quite ready to pot it up and bring it indoors for the winter. I left MI for a reason!

:)

Okra is a plant that originated in Africa. It likes very hot, sunny weather....don't know how it would over winter. Good luck.

Hi Fori, I'm curious what part of CA u r in? I'm here in Glendale, CA, 10 miles north of downtown LA. The okra is growing really well here. Three I planted from Home Depot seedlings are now 5 feet tall and giving fruit, although not terribly much. In late June I planted a 40 foot row from seed which is doing well and I'm getting fruit from that now. I think the okra likes the crazy hot weather we are having this summer and seems not to orefer not too much water.

Howdy, Robin. Is this your first year with okra?

I'm in the SF Bay area, east side of the bay. Sunset 17 (but I think they need to reassess my little climate--they say we can't do citrus here but we can). Plenty of sun but generally pleasant instead of hot and nasty where okra grows (I lived near Houston for a while, and THAT was okra country!). While you were having your heat wave, we actually got into the 90s one day. (I got to test out my AC!) I only have a few plants and they're starting to bloom now. Not many blooms, and the plants are still only about 18" high or shorter. I have about 8 plants and will probably try to nurse the best looking 2 through the winter. By "nurse" I mean not pull up. I'll see if I can find out at what temperature they take damage. As small as they look like they're going to be, I could probably wrap them...

I started from seed, and perhaps a little late.

I've never grown it before--when you're in the south you can actually get it at the store or from a neighbor.