How to Trim Okra

Okra plants produce edible pods that have a distinctive, finger-like shape. The plants generally produce only one set of pods, but you can trim the plants in the middle of the season after the first production in order to encourage a second flush. The okra plant will take a bushier form after trimming or pruning, but will still produce edible pods. The most important aspect of trimming okra is timing. If you wait too long, the pods are in danger of frost damage.

Things You'll Need

• Gardening shears
• Rag
• Rubbing alcohol

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Wait until 80 to 100 days before the first frost date in your area to trim okra plants. This gives the plant enough time to generate a second fruit growth without danger of them freezing before harvest.

   • 2

     Sterilize your gardening shears by rubbing them with a rag moistened with rubbing alcohol. This will prevent the spread of disease from plant to plant.

   • 3

     Cut the okra stems back to 2 inches above the second leaf bud on each one. The plant will bush out and produce a second set of okra fruit.