How to prune okra and its key points

Okra pruning time

Generally, okra needs to be pruned when it grows to one meter. It can also be pruned in the autumn when it is growing vigorously. Timely pruning can prevent excessive growth, save nutrients, promote growth, and improve fruit quality and yield.

How to prune okra

1. Regular pruning

Okra usually grows very fast. When okra grows to 1 to 1.5 meters, you can trim it appropriately. Shorten the 10 to 30 cm part of the upper part of the okra, and then trim the lower side buds. This can inhibit the crazy growth of okra and promote the germination of more side buds.

2. Pruning during the growing season

Okra is in its vigorous growth period in autumn. When the side branches of the plant are too long, they can be properly pruned. Cut off all the excessively long side branches and keep 2 branches and 3 nodes. Never prune the okra heavily, otherwise it will affect its flowering and fruiting, so be sure to pay attention when pruning.

3. Pruning after the fruiting period

Okra also needs to be pruned after the flowering and fruiting period, mainly by cutting off the dead and yellow branches and leaves. This not only saves soil nutrient consumption, but also provides sufficient nutrients to the plant, so that it can continue to bear more fruits next year.

4. Pruning matters

It is best to prune okra on sunny days and avoid rainy days, otherwise the wounds will easily rot. In addition, the pruning tools should be disinfected in advance to avoid bacterial infection of the wounds. Usually, wait for the plant wounds to recover naturally before watering and fertilizing it.