Eggplant Question

[so lucky]

How do I know when my eggplants are ready to harvest? The largest one is about the size of a tennis ball right now.

 

[dickiebird]

I let mine get to about 8" in length and then I pick.

THANX RICH

 

[catjac1975]

They are ready at any size no matter how small. I have left them on too long.

 

[Ridgerunner]

What kind do you have?

I grow the Japanese type: long, slender, and black. If the skin is shiny it is ready.

 

[so lucky]

These are the common roundish type. I bought the plants at a garden center.

 

[seedcorn]

They are ready at any size no matter how small. I have left them on too long.

Agree

 

[Mackay]

I have a different question about eggplant. Im growing black diamond eggplants and they were doin really good but the other day I went out and found several had fallen over and now about a week later they are dying. They were in different gardens and one was in a pot so I dont think animals knocked them over.

Anyone have this problem and what to do to prevent it?

 

[Dave2000]

I have a different question about eggplant. Im growing black diamond eggplants and they were doin really good but the other day I went out and found several had fallen over and now about a week later they are dying. They were in different gardens and one was in a pot so I dont think animals knocked them over.

Anyone have this problem and what to do to prevent it?

Are you using cages or staking and tying them? I'd try the latter... since I have more spare wood than cages.

 

[Mackay]

Well I was thinking that they needed to be staked. Ive never grown them before and didn't expect this. I'll be prepared next year. Is this a common problem then?