Eggplant problems

[Smiles Jr.]

I have 12 eggplant plants and they have been very healthy looking for the past two months. The plants are about 24" tall with lots of fruit or melons or whatever they are. But my eggplants are shaped more like cucumbers. About 6" to 8" long and only 2" in diameter. I've never had this situation before.

Now that we're into the dog days of summer the plants are pretty sad looking with wilted leaves and some of the stalks are turning a little yellow/brown. I have hauled water out there a few times but it does not seem to be helping.

Any comments or suggestions out there? Thanks.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Sounds like you got a Japanese variety. They grow long and thin like that. You can use them like regular eggplant. This is a copy of Ichiban eggplant, the variety I grow.

http://www.reimerseeds.com/images/products/eggplant/Ichiban_Eggplant_Seeds.jpg

 

[elf]

I had a lot of problems with the Jap. variety I once tried. Lots more bugs because of the more tender skin, I guess, and just didn't thrive. I now stick to the fat purple ones, though I might prefer eating the Japanese ones. I always have flea beetles, but the purple ones usually can live through that. i dust if it looks like they won't.