black beauty eggplant ripe enough?

9 years ago

so i am aware, i probably used a pot to small for the plant. that being said, does that effect fruit size? plant has done well, and my first fruits have been growing last few weeks as you see in the pics below. my question is, they now have pretty much stopped growing (the biggest ones that is). they are about 3 inches in diamater and not really much more in length. is this due to pot constraints? should i wait out longer? they are not dull color yet, but feel a tiny bit softer then before, and of course i dont want them to go over ripe.
i dont see them getting to be huge like these eggplants normally get.

Comments (5)

mdy113
Original Author
9 years ago
and full plant view for perspective
Slimy_Okra
9 years ago
If they go dull or soft, they are *already* ripe and past their prime. You want eggplants to be unripe and firm to the touch. Not ripe. Not overripe. There's no difference between a ripe eggplant and an overripe eggplant except the degree of grossness - they are both gross. If the biggest one has indeed stopped growing, pick it now - don't wait for it to lose its sheen or it will be disgusting. And yes, a small pot can reduce the size of the plant and its fruits. It won't necessarily affect the flavor though.

This post was edited by Slimy_Okra on Thu, Jul 17, 14 at 19:57
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mdy113
Original Author
9 years ago
yea..i may have to deal with smaller sized eggplants this season, oh well, i just hope they taste good. my ichiban's have been awesome, i hope these are as well
mdy113
Original Author
9 years ago
yea..i may have to deal with smaller sized eggplants this season, oh well, i just hope they taste good. my ichiban's have been awesome, i hope these are as well
wayne_5 zone 6a Central Indiana
9 years ago
They look kind of small for Black beauty, but like said, if it stops growing get it.