Okra should be ready to harvest this month. Check for size and colour.
Growing Calendar
This month: Oct
Log to journalReady to harvest now
- •Check size and ripeness
- •Harvest regularly
- •Store or use fresh
Watch Out For
Cold temperatures below 15°C check growth severely: keep in a greenhouse or the warmest possible spot; do not move outside without reliable sustained warmth
Aphids and whitefly colonise indoor plants: introduce biological controls early or spray with a dilute soap solution weekly before an infestation builds up
Pods pass quickly from tender to tough: harvest at 7–10cm within a few days of the flower opening, sooner in hot weather, which speeds ripening. A pod left too long turns dry and fibrous with hardened, dark seeds inside: the same stage used for saving seed, not a sign anything has gone wrong, just past its best for eating.
Common Questions
About growing Okra in the UK
Can okra be grown successfully in the UK?
Yes, but it requires heat. In a greenhouse or polytunnel, okra crops reliably. Outside, it is possible in a warm summer in the south of England but yield will be much lower. Start seeds in a heated propagator in April and grow on in the warmest spot available.
How do I harvest okra?
Harvest pods at 5–8cm long, when still tender. At this stage they snap cleanly. Pods left on the plant become woody and fibrous within days. Check plants every 2–3 days at peak production. Regular harvesting encourages continued flowering and fruiting.
Why is okra slimy when cooked?
Okra contains mucilage, a natural thickening agent that is released when cut or cooked in water. To reduce sliminess: cook at high heat in a dry pan or on a grill, add acid (vinegar or lemon juice) to the dish, or use whole pods in curries and stews.
What temperature does okra need to germinate?
Okra seeds need soil temperatures of at least 20°C to germinate reliably: ideally 25–30°C. A heated propagator is strongly recommended for UK growing. Soaking seeds overnight before sowing can also improve germination rates.
Written from real growing experience, organic methods only. Our story · Our approach
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