When do you pick okra?

Question

I have plenty of okra growing in my garden..first time I have planted okra..question is when do i pick the okra? some tell's me when the okra is small? other's tell's me when the okra is big? I have seedless okra..

Answer 1

Smaller Okra will be more tender and the seeds will be smaller (if you have seeds)

Once they get larger, the shells get tough, they get stringy, and they can even get bitter.

The size to pick really depends on the  variety, the use, and the user.  For instance if the package said "produces 4-6 inch fruits".....well....I'd shoot for 3.5 to 4 inches, just to have the more tender product.

Don't worry though if you don't get it picked and used before it's bigger!!  You'll want the bigger ones for soup, okra pickles, and such.  I like the smaller ones ffor frying, and with stewed tomatos.

The taste, and therefore the choice is in the mouth of the eater!  Pick a few small and try them out, and then do the same as they get bigger.  You'll know when you've hit the perfect answer for yourself!!

good luck and happy gardening!!

Answer 2

When they are small like at least  3-4" and the texture is still fresh. If you let go for another day the okra will not be good for eating. They mature quickly so pick them up once they go to the descent size and still green. Once you see the texture looks like the seed is popping out of the surface then it is no longer good for eating.

Answer 3

When it's ready, ripe?

Answer 4

six weeks

Answer 5

you mean cut okra,small is better because they are tender,and seeds are smaller,I've never seen seedless okra that's a new one on me.