What to plant this week in Honolulu, HI
In Honolulu's perpetual tropical warmth of Zone 12b, there is no frost to worry about, meaning your Malabar Spinach and Okra are ready to be sown directly into the soil right now. This week marks the peak harvest window for these heat-loving crops before the summer rains potentially slow down growth.
The next 7 days
Honolulu, HIGrowing in Honolulu right now
- Plant Malabar Spinach seeds immediately as they thrive in our consistent 70s°F temperatures but require regular watering during dry spells.
- Start Okra outdoors this week since it needs warm soil to germinate quickly and cannot tolerate even a light chill.
- Amend your sandy volcanic soils with compost before planting to help retain moisture, which is critical when trade winds pick up.
- Watch for wind damage on tall Okra stalks by staking them early in the season.
Sow this week
2 crops- Malabar Spinach
- Okra
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
2 crops- Malabar Spinach
- Okra
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow Okra every two weeks to ensure a steady harvest throughout the long growing season.
- Mulch around young plants to retain moisture and keep root zones cool in the heat.
- Prune any leggy Malabar Spinach stems to encourage bushier growth and more leaves.
Pest & disease watch
- Monitor Okra plants closely for fruit and leaf pod borers, which are active year-round in our warm climate.
- Check Malabar Spinach leaves for spider mites that flourish during hot, dry trade wind periods.
- Prevent fungal issues on both crops by ensuring good air circulation around the foliage after heavy tropical showers.
Watering this week
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots while avoiding fungal issues in the humid heat.
Harvest your first Okra pods when they are young and tender, before the seeds harden inside.
Honolulu gardening questions
3Can I transplant Okra seedlings into my Honolulu garden right now?
No, you should only sow Okra seeds directly into the ground this week; young transplants struggle to establish roots in our hot soil if moved.
How often do I need to water Malabar Spinach during the summer?
Water daily or every other day, depending on rainfall, because our sandy soil drains quickly and these greens wilt rapidly if dry.
When should I expect my Okra pods to be ready for harvest?
You can start harvesting the first tender pods as soon as they appear, but expect a full yield within 50-60 days of sowing.
See the full zone 12b guide → · Plan your Honolulu garden in SproutGuide →