How do you tell if okra is ready to be picked?

Answer by  lmac (355)

Okra is generally picked when it is 3-4 inches long. You can even pick it earlier, if you like. If you leave the pods on the plant too long, they will get very tough.

Answer by  patti (29325)

The flowers appear on the plant and the okra itself forms at the site of the flower. Harvest the okra three or four days after that when they are 3-4 inches long. If you let the okra stay on the plant, it will continue to grow and become stringy.

Answer by  myaiya (82)

Most are ready between 4-6 inches. Test the larger pods by cutting it with a knife, if it is tough start picking them sooner.

Answer by  rajbharat (141)

The pick depends on the variety, and the need. small will be tender and the bigger ones are tough, stringy and sometimes bitter also, they may be. Smaller ones for frying and the bigger used for soup and pickles. Use for yourself and you'll know better.