Eggplant should be harvested when they are one-third to two-thirds full mature size.
How big should eggplants grow?
18 to 36 inches tall
Eggplants typically grow 18 to 36 inches tall with a spread of 24 to 36 inches. Each plant bears between two to 12 fruits, although this number varies based on the variety and growing conditions. Keep reading to learn how to grow this summer-loving beauty for yourself.
How can you tell if an eggplant is good?
A good eggplant will have glossy, taut skin. You’ll also want to test the texture of the flesh. When buying an eggplant, the flesh should be firm but give slightly when pressed, then bounce back. If your eggplant is soft to the touch, that’s an indication that it’s beginning to spoil.
Will eggplant ripen off the vine?
You can ripen eggplants after harvesting, but results vary, depending on the problem. Ripen them on the counter at room temperature. It helps to put the eggplants in a paper bag where they should ripen within a few days.
What color is ripe eggplant?
Ripe eggplants should be firm but not hard. Flesh should be white with a slight green tint (orange eggplants ripen orange/green inside). If you are unsure of your eggplant’s ripeness, cut one crosswise and check the seeds. They should be clearly visible.
Can eggplants get too big?
Baby eggplants are a delight to eat. But you can leave them too long. Eggplant should be harvested when they are one-third to two-thirds full mature size.
Do eggplants grow back every year?
Eggplant plants can come back every year but they usually won’t. Eggplants rarely survive long past the harvest months. A perennial plant eggplant is a rarity outside of tropical climates. Eggplants can come back every year in ideal, tropical conditions.
Should I pinch off eggplant flowers?
As your eggplant starts to bloom, pinch the first buds you see coming through. Use your fingers to gently pinch the buds right where they meet the stem of the plant. This encourages your plant to put more energy into growing sturdy stalks and deep roots instead of producing new fruit right away.
How long does eggplant plant last?
How long do eggplant plants live? Eggplant plants can live up to three years in very warm climates, like zones 10-12. But in most regions they’re grown as annuals, and only live for one season.
What are the black dots in eggplant?
If you notice black seeds inside the eggplant when you cut it open, throw it away; it has been sitting around too long and will be bitter. Eggplant are naturally sweet when fresh, and do not need to be salted for a long time to remove bitterness.
What does a ripe eggplant look like inside?
Eggplant flesh will have tan to brown colored spots around the seeds. If this is the color you are referring to, it is edible. If the flesh is more brown than white, the eggplant may be spoiling and should be discarded.
Is it OK to cook green eggplant?
Green eggplants develop a tender and creamy consistency when cooked and can be chopped and mixed into soups, curries, and stews, incorporated into stir-fries, fried into tempura, or sliced and roasted as a side dish.
Can you freeze eggplant?
Yes! You can absolutely freeze eggplant. Eggplant that has been frozen and thawed will never be exactly like fresh eggplant, but there are some things you can do to preserve the texture and taste.
What do you do after harvesting eggplant?
If you’ve got a crop of eggplant coming in, it’s important to know exactly when to harvest them since eggplants can over ripen easily. Once they’re ready, all you need to do is cut them from the stem. Eggplants generally keep for 1-2 weeks after harvesting, as long as you store them properly.
Can you eat raw eggplant?
Can You Eat Eggplant Raw? Luckily, the answer is yes! While the leaves and flowers can be toxic, the eggplant itself is safe to consume both raw and cooked, and the compound that some might be sensitive to, solanine, is only toxic when consumed in large quantities.
Should eggplant be light or heavy?
1. It’s heavy for its size. Eggplant should feel heavy in your hand, which is a sign that the flesh is fresh and in good condition. Don’t be afraid to pick a few up and see how they feel.
How do you store fresh eggplant?
Wrap it in a paper towel, place it in a perforated plastic bag, or store it in a reusable container before adding it to the fridge. Eggplants do best in the crisper drawer, but if one is too big, it’s better to let it sit on a shelf, as forcing it into the drawer can damage its surface.
Should I trim eggplant leaves?
After the eggplant begins to flower, clip the lower leaflets from the main branch. Removing these leaves boosts air circulation and allows light to penetrate the canopy. Continue to prune away suckers throughout the entire growing season to boost plant vigor and increase food production.
Should I trim my eggplant plant?
With adequate protection from frost, however, eggplants will grow for several years. This means they can get very large, and sometimes more than a little leggy or worn out. To ensure a strong plant and maximum fruit production, eggplant pruning is a good idea in the long term.
What size is a large eggplant?
So, how big do eggplants grow? Eggplants grow 16 to 48 inches (41 to 122 centimeters) tall, 14 to 36 inches (35 to 91 centimeters) wide, and produce fruit that is 2 to 10 inches (5 to 25 centimeters) long. Of course, the quality of your fruit (if you get any at all!)
Can you eat eggplant leaves?
Eggplant is another member of that infamous nightshade family. Sometimes people are under the impression that eating raw eggplant is poisonous, which isn’t true. However, the leaves and flowers of eggplants will probably make you sick, as that’s where most of the toxic solanine is concentrated.