It usually takes 16 to 24 weeks for the eggplant to mature after planting. You should start harvesting within this time frame to avoid overripe and bitter-tasting fruit. More often than not, it is ready for picking once you notice that the skin is smooth and glossy and has a vibrant color.
One of the next things we wanted the answer to was, when is the best time to plant aubergines?
In late May/early June if they will be growing outdoors Aubergines can also be planted in the ground in warm areas of Britain: Choose your warmest, sunniest, most sheltered position, ideally against a sunny wall. Warm the soil with polythene or cloches two weeks before planting, once there is no danger of frost.
An answer is that keep plants well watered and mulched. The general rule of harvesting aubergines is to pick fruits before the skin loses its gloss. This can be a symptom of over-ripeness, but check the habit of the variety you are growing as some aubergines have less shiny skins.
Do aubergine plants need staking?
Taller varieties may need staking, particularly when fruits are ripening. Keep plants well watered and mulched. The general rule of harvesting aubergines is to pick fruits before the skin loses its gloss. This can be a symptom of over-ripeness, but check the habit of the variety you are growing as some aubergines have less shiny skins.
While I was reading we ran into the question “Can you grow aubergines in pots?”.
Aubergines need a lot of warmth and sun to crop well, so are best grown in a greenhouse. They can be grown outside, but rarely do well except in mild areas or very warm summers. Grow initially in 9cm (3½in) pots, then when the roots fill the pot, transfer to 23cm (9in) pots at the following times:.
How do you know when to pick eggplant?
You’ll be able to determine when to begin the eggplant harvest by just looking at the fruit. Once you’ve determined that it’s time to start the eggplant harvest, wear gloves and long sleeves, as the eggplant stem has prickles, which can irritate the skin.
Are the aubergines big enough for personal use?
In which case harvest and enjoy. It will also spur the plant on into producing more flowers and fruit. I agree, pick them when you need them – we had a small one to encourage more – a pingtung long that was only about 3″ long, they’re edible.