Allotments 4 All
Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: piers on August 07, 2005, 11:41:30
-
I've got some mid size aubergines - with lots more on the way. But how do I know when to pick them? It's a weird variety (whose name I've forgotten) so I don't know what size they should be? Any ideas?
-
If you don't know ......?? What do thy look like? When did you plant them - where?
Look back for advice - look at RHS Guide this am - when they are 'full & shiney & the right colour'. But pick sooner than later or they go seedy.
-
At long last!!
This is the first real pick. Much moulding off of flowers.
-
Tim, those look great. Dead envious. I'm sadly still at the moulting flower bud stage so think I've had it for this year now. :(
-
I think I have one titchy aubergine but it's so small it's not even dangling yet ;D
It will probably fall off :(
Yours aubs look handsome Tim. The deep purple on in the middle looks like it's wearing a hat :)
-
I gave up waiting for mine to turn shiny and picked them - and now have five aubs full of brown seeds.
I figure they're inedible!
:-(
But at least I have plenty of seed for next year...
Anyone know how to cook overripe aubs?
The only saving grace is that the post-red spider mite foliage is growing new flowers and new tiny aubs, so I shall get some usable ones.
moonbells
-
My purple ones were just on the verge of making brown seeds. And they're not big. It's a touch & go business!
Just scoop the seeds out. They are like wood shavings!!
-
what varieties are they Tim?
We've only had one aub this year - a tiny marble-sized one off the mini bambino. If I don't get more luck with my aubs next year I'm going to officially give up!
-
I'm really SO sad for those who are struggling to produce toms, cus & aubs.
Indoors or out, they really shouldn't be that difficult.
Just wish one could hold everyone's hand & see them through it all.
We all have problems, but the end result should be worth the effort & expense.
-
Just wish one could hold everyone's hand & see them through it all.
Sometimes Tim, it really feels like you are.:)
And thank you :-*
-
I was wondering what size my aubergines should be, then I remembered to google - Lao Lavender is the one that has fruited and seem small. One of the plants, none of the flowers has set, but on 3 others (one is in the so-called greenhouse) has fruit on. Shall have a peek at them when I finish my cuppa.
http://www.unusualherbsandedibles.co.uk/aubergines.html
-
Very kind, Diana.
Forgot to say - Macchiaw - de Barbentane - Thai Long Green. And Snowy to come.
But, overall, a big failure. Only one or two fruit to each plant instead of the usual 10+. Don't know why. Huge plants.
-
Same with me Tim, but I have picked 2 so far!! The ol spider mite has not helped I am sure! Still hoping for an indian summer here! ;D Oh and how do I collect the seeds for next year? Scoop out and dry the pulp?
-
The book - Vida Verde - says squidge out of very ripe fruit - wash in a sieve - dry.
-
Prob too late now but have made room in overcrowded conservatory/utility room that is full of aphid ridden >:( ??? >:( chillli plants for one of my two hitherto external aubergine plants. Both have refused to budge beyond flower buds so far but I've not given up hope yet.
-
My 5x greenhouse-grown plants have been producing for a few weeks now. I've had a couple of 6-7 inch ones, but I prefer to take them at about 3-4 inches which guarantees that they don't get seedy. They also need precious little salting at that stage.
Don't know what variety they are (computer in house, seed packet in potting shed ???), but they are the usual purple shiny things.
It sounds like I'm with Tim in the "they've all gone well for me this year, wish I could help" situation. Rest assured one year soon it'll all go pear-shaped on us too ::).
-
Oh and how do I collect the seeds for next year? Scoop out and dry the pulp?
If you do this please be aware that most aubergines available now, especially those adapted to the northen limits of their range, are F1 hybrids.
Those having problems may want to consider the F1 hybrid "Dusky". It is well adapted to outdoor culture in my part of the planet. Perhaps it would do well in the U.K. under protection?
-
Glad you came in on that, John. I tried to post Vida Verde's whole thing, with photos, but it wouldn't work.
In it they remind us that F1 seed will not necessarily come true.
So, folks - check before you breed! Much as I want to perpetuate Macchiaw, which I have used for years, & is no longer available, I can't.
-
Thank you for that Tim and John :)
-
Update. I said that the aubs were much of a failure this year but, apart from Barbentane, some are now trying.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/photo04/aubs0209.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/photo04/macchiaw0209.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/photo04/snowy0209.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/photo04/thai0209.jpg)
-
Chance would be a fine thing! I have one aubergine which is now all of 2" long ;D
-
My heart bleeds, wardy - I'll post you one! Or 2?
-
Thanks Tim - you're all heart ;D
-
Update. I said that the aubs were much of a failure this year but, apart from Barbentane, some are now trying.
Perhaps it was too hot for pollination earlier in the season? Did I suggest that in my e-mail or did I 'cut' that possible reason?
-
Yes - they were in a week or so earlier.
But then they should catch up??
At least we will have something.
-
I envisaged a situation where, after some initial fruit set, your greenhouse got too hot for pollination to occur. Now the U.K., presumably, is cooling down and the temperatures may be more favourable for the pollen to survive long enough for fertilisation to occur. Barbentane may have problems other than climactic ones affecting it. Did you send me a picture of them earlier?
-
Tim, what's your white variety in the envy-making photos? :D
-
Of the plants, John, yes.
Sprout - this year it's Snowy, with which I'm quite pleased. Last year, see my 'blog' - it was Mohican.
-
I'm well miffed today :( Went to check on my tardy aubergine only to find one of the fruits has a hole which looks like it's been drilled and the aub eaten with just the purple outside left remaining. Drat >:(