When plants are healthy and actively growing 5-inch pods are usually tender and acceptable. To achieve maximum yields the pods must be harvested every other day. Most pods are ready for harvesting 4 to 6 days after the bloom opens. Pods may be cut with a knife or snapped off by hand. Cutting is slower, but produces a nicer result.
Most people are sensitive to the small spines on okra and often get a rash or itch.
When harvesting, pickers should be provided with gloves and wear long sleeves and long pants for protection. After the market price drops in the late spring, cutting back okra will allow the plant to rejuvenate and produce a fall crop. Fall yields of cutback crops will often exceed spring crop yields. Transplanting pat of a crop will also result in earlier production. 15 to 18 inches apart and 12 inches between plants.