The eggplant , with their elegant shape and vibrant color, they are a popular plant in home gardens. Grown for the tasty and versatile berry, eggplants add a touch of unique flavor and texture to many recipes in the kitchen. But when is the right time to collect the eggplants in the garden?
Harvesting aubergines requires some care and knowledge, as the flavour, texture and ripeness can vary greatly depending on when they are picked from the plants. Harvesting aubergines in the best way is essential to obtain excellent results both in terms of taste and quality.
In this article, we’ll explore the hallmarks that indicate eggplant maturity and provide helpful tips on when to harvest them from the garden. From color to texture, through the size and shine of the skin, we will discover how to identify ripe aubergines ready to be harvested.
How much does an aubergine plant produce on average?
The average yield of an eggplant plant can vary greatly depending on several factors, including growing conditions, variety, care provided, and garden management practices.
In general, when grow an eggplant plant, you can expect to harvest at least 6 to 10 eggplants during the growing season. However, some varieties (such as the classic black round or viola) can produce more fruit, while others (such as the white eggplant) can produce less.
To increase production, you can adopt some cultivation practices, such as one good organic fertilization L’adequate watering the pruning the mulch and the pest management. These measures can promote healthy plant growth and therefore increase fruit yield.
From the moment of transplanting, how long does it take before you can harvest the aubergines?
From the time of eggplant transplant in the garden, which takes place in late spring, it will generally take about 60-90 days before the fruits are ready to be harvested. However, this period may vary according to the specific variety grown and seasonal climatic conditions.
Eggplants are plants that require a relatively long growing period to reach maturity. During this time, the plants will develop flowers, which will later bear fruit. Usually, the first flowers appear 45-60 days after transplanting.
In general, the eggplant harvest season extends from summer to fall, as long as temperatures remain favorable for plant growth.
How do you know when it’s time to harvest the aubergines?
To figure out when exactly is the time to harvest eggplants, it’s important to look closely at a few hallmarks that indicate their maturity.
First you need to evaluate the color, a fundamental indicator of their maturity. Immature eggplants tend to be lighter in color and can be greenish. As they ripen, they develop a more intense and uniform color. For example, deep purple eggplants become shiny and deep when ripe. However, there are many varieties and many different colors (black, purple, white, yellow, striped, not to mention the red one of Rotondawhich can boast of PDO brand), so make sure you know the specific strain you are growing.
Then you have to “test” the consistency. Ripe eggplants have a firm, turgid texture. When pressed lightly with a finger, they should stay firm without sagging too much. If, on the other hand, the aubergines are soft or wither when you touch them, it means that they have gone beyond their ideal maturation.
Another hallmark is the brilliance of the leather. Ripe aubergines at the right point have a smooth and shiny skin. If it is opaque, however, they may still be immature.
Finally the size, which must be appropriate to the variety you are growing. In general, it’s best to harvest eggplants before they get too large, as they may develop too many seeds and have a stringy, cloying texture.
So carefully observe the eggplants in your garden and harvest them when they display the right combination of intense colour, firm texture and appropriate size for the variety being grown.
Constant practice and experience will help you perfect the best time to harvest eggplant.
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