Your comments and tips

19 May 17, Clive Halliday (Australia - tropical climate)

We have 5 eggplants in large tubs. They are flourishing wit many flowers. But the young fruit are being eaten through the skin and scooping out the flesh. What is causing this? Nothing unusual found on plants. This did not happen last two years.

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24 May 17, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Only guessing - birds or some grub. You could put some plastic bags on them - put a few holes in the bag to let some air in there. Or spray with some grub killer and see if this stops them.

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10 May 17, Dave Christie (Australia - temperate climate)

What is the correct time to pick eggplant. How long can you leave them on the vine after that time.

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11 May 17, Giovanni (Australia - temperate climate)

Unripe eggplants will be a bit greenish inside rather than a clear cream or creamy-white. they probably could still be eaten. I worked at a community garden and a lot were harvested before they were ripe. Sorry I can't answer the other part of your question.

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12 Mar 17, Jill (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

My eggplants are purple but very hard. Now starting to go green and a bit striped. I picked this one and cooked - it was a little bitter. Am I leaving it too late or picking too early. Thanks jill

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13 Mar 17, KS (Australia - temperate climate)

Hey Jill, did you slice and salt and rest your eggplant before cooking? this can help flavour, minimise any bitterness. Cut to thickness desired, salt and let sit in a colander for 1-2hrs, then rinse and dry (i use an old tea towel). Then cook for your recipe or just oil on a hot pan a bit more salt to bring out the flavour then cook 'til golden. hope this helps.

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13 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

When eggplants are ripe they have creamy white flesh. If the flesh is greenish give them a bit more time. They will reward you well if they also have a good, even water supply. Trust this helps.

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28 Jan 17, Meredith (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

I am growing 'classic' eggplant. The fruit are growing bigger, but look ripe. How big should I let them get before picking? Is there any sign that they are ripe?

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05 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

If they are the purple variety and are fully coloured you could harvest them. Try one and if the flesh is cream they are ripe. Trust this helps.

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17 Jan 17, maximus111 (Australia - temperate climate)

I am growing eggplant again this year after a successful season last year. This year, I seem to be having a problem, some, though not all of the leaves are browning and curling, like they are dying which i suppose they are. I have no memory of this occurring last time. The fruit itself is fine, no problems at all. There is no overcrowding as there is only the one plant in the above ground bed, allowing it to take as much space as is needed. On occasion we give it powerfeed with seassol and sometimes osmacote vegetable granules. We have a watering system that is placed at the base of the plant as we discovered last year they're not too keen on being sprayed so much from above and get watered in the morning for 10 mins and 15 mins in the late afternoon. Does anyone have any idea as to what is wrong with my plant and what I need to do ?

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