Your comments and tips

08 Oct 11, Tracey (Australia - arid climate)

The problem isn't likely to be lack of pollinators as eggplants self-fertile and predominantly wind pollinated (although some cross pollination between plants can occur via insects, too). Did flowers form and then drop? Temps that are too low can affect fruit set, as can temps that are too high (as with tomatoes and capsicums). The optimal temperature window is likely to vary a little depending on the variety.

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11 Aug 11, ray (Australia - tropical climate)

can egg plant be frozen and used later

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05 Jul 11, John Bee (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Hi John, Eggplant can be grown for several seasons at least, provided that they are kept healthy, properly fertilized and rejuvenated at the end of each season ready for the next one. After a major cropping they can be cut back (pruned) fairly heavily with sharp clean secateurs. You should cut off and remove all the old leaves as that helps stop future leaf diseases problems. Then give the plants a good fertilizing with a complete mixture, preferably organic, lightly dig in the fertiliser and give them a good watering. Be sure to cut off any diseased or dead or dying branches and get rid or them (don’t leave them lying around). Please remember that eggplants are frost sensitive, especially young tender growth so make sure they are protected from frosts or leave the pruning till after the last frost. Hope this helps. John Bee Master Gardener

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03 Jul 11, John (Australia - temperate climate)

As this seasons eggplant has concluded can I prune and expect another crop this coming summer?

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25 Jun 11, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

hi ,I have got the long skinny egg plant variety. was wondering as it is now july in sa could I cut them back and get another season out of them

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11 May 11, minoli (Australia - temperate climate)

Egg plant grows well in summer....buy small plants and plant one month before the summer sets in small beds..needs good sunlight, water and potty mix is sufficient (every 2 weeks)...we had a good crop... you need 5- 7 plants for a household.

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09 May 11, rachana (Australia - arid climate)

hi,i live in perth -australia...my eggplant is grown very well but the fruite didnt come yet....has anyone know in that season all fruite comes or in summer...help pls

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10 May 11, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi Rachana, I didn't have any luck with my eggplants this year either. I'm in Victoria. It's getting too cold here now, they're starting to fade. Hopefully next year's a better one for us both :)

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01 Apr 11, colin shaw (Australia - temperate climate)

hi all,i just have a simple question really,just want to know when my eggplant are ready to pick,because i havnt keep a record of when they were planted,any information would be good ,thanks

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02 Apr 11, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Colin, when your eggplants are plump and shiny and feel slightly springy when you gently squeeze, they should be ready to pick.

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