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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.

Quote from: tim on August 23, 2005, 13:08:42

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 ::).

Quote from: Doris_Pinks on August 23, 2005, 18:49:48
  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.