When do I pick my aubergines.

[moby-gardener]

This is the first year I've grown aubergines and I'm not sure when to pick them. Being a bit of a novice I assumed they would start off green and turn black/purple when ready, but not so - they start off as the dark colour! One of my plants has 6 fruits on it, some still quite small, but 2 are about 6 inches long. Is there a test for readiness? Advice would be appreciated.

Mo

[jacob]

I'm not sure, but some animal (blackbird, I suspect) must have decided my outside one was ready, then ate it.

[moby-gardener]

I'm not sure, but some animal (blackbird, I suspect) must have decided my outside one was ready, then ate it.

Oh dear, sorry to hear that! My plants are safe in the greenhouse

Mo

[smallblueplanet]

They're edible nearly as soon as they start growing. But I'd say the two 6" ones sound a good size (depending on the variety!), eat them first to encourage more to grow.

Aubergines should be firm and shiny when ripe, as they get too old they tend to lose their sheen.

[moby-gardener]

Thanks Manda, looks like we'll be having aubergines tonight then

Mo