Okra When To Pick

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makshi Noblesville, IN(Zone 5a) Jul 31, 2001

When is it ready to pick? I have never planted it before and would like to at least give it a try but don't have a clue as to when to pick it.
Thanks for any help

Post #9726
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melody Benton, KY(Zone 7a) Aug 01, 2001

It really depends on the variety that you planted.I like most okras at between 3 and 4 inches. If they get much bigger they are usually tough.This means you need to pick okra pretty much every day....and be careful,'cause you'll miss some.

You can pick okra as soon as the bloom falls off and it will be good...there just be much of a harvest unless you let it get a little size.

Most hybrid okras will pick well at this size,and some will stand to get bigger.If you find that your knife blade has a hard time cutting through the pod,then it's gone too long.
You will need good shears or a sharp knife to cut your pods and be careful,'cause okra has stickery spines.It can eat your hands up.Most hybrids have the spines bred out of them,but they never quite go away...some always crop up.

Hope this helps.

Post #103732
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makshi Noblesville, IN(Zone 5a) Aug 01, 2001

Melody,
Thank you for the info. Are the spines on the outside of the pod?

Post #104041
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melody Benton, KY(Zone 7a) Aug 02, 2001

The spines are on the pods,leaves and stems.They are small hairlike things that you don't see till they get you.Some folks wear gloves.I don't...they're not that bothersome to me,but there's others that feel like they're getting eaten alive. Just be aware of it and you should be fine.

Post #104506
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dave Aug 02, 2001

A tip regarding spines, I use the heirloom okra "Clemson Spineless" and have not had any irritation with my okra. The taste on this okra was also good, considering that I don't like okra. :-)

I'll have seed available for this okra later in the season.

Post #104511
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woodspirit1 Lake Toxaway, NC(Zone 7a) Aug 04, 2001

Fry it or make a gumbo with it, with tomatoes, onions, garlic, etc. I also make chicken gumbo and shrimp gumbo, but you only want to add the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking or they will get hard/tough

Post #105555
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