Patio Aubergines

[Redhelen72]

This is my first year of growing and I picked up a plant on a whim!
I now have 5 Aubergines on there but no idea how large they should get - I am assuming that as its a patio version of the plant that the fruit should be picked smaller - but how small?
Thanks for any help.

[schippiegalette]

Aubergines need to be harvested before they are ripe. When they turn brownish you are too late as they have become woody and bitter. If you have planted the round type then I would harvest at about the size of a tennis ball, The pear-shaped variety can be left a little longer up until they are around 5 - inches in length.

[Redhelen72]

I don't know what they are as they were sold as patio aubergines

[schippiegalette]

How big are they now? what colour are they? I have grown patio types and harvested them when they are the size of a duck egg.

[Redhelen72]

They are purple and currently a all but 1 is smaller than a ping pong the oldest one is the same size as a ping pong ball

[schippiegalette]

I'd leave them a couple more weeks. this may give you an idea of size

https://i0.wp.com/happyacres.blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/eggplantjul17.jpg?ssl=1

[Redhelen72]

Thanks Schippie