[andyf75]

Whats the reason for putting outside? If its pollination my greenhouse is open always and there are loads of insects in there so surely as a heat lover the aubergine would prefer to be inside?

[compostqueen]

My greenhouse is so full that I have to bring stuff out so I can get in 

[JayG]

It seems as if aubs may not be as good at self-pollination as some other crops - maybe exposure to the breeze and more insects actually helps them set fruit, although I suspect they like to go back indoors at night. 

(All this is conjecture based on what's been said so far in this thread - I won't be trying them until I've mastered GH cukes!  )

[shokkyy]

Couldn't resist the urge to brag. I don't know how many years I've been trying to grow aubergines, but I've never ever managed to get a decent crop from them and every year I swear this is the last time. I'm stunned by my crop this year. I'm growing Moneymaker and Black Beauty in my polytunnel bed. The BB have had plenty of flowers but seem to be having problems setting fruit, while the Moneymakers right next to them are loaded with fruit. And some are already huge. I've bought smaller aubergines from the supermarket. Clearly they're not having any problems at all with pollination, but it seems the BB are.

Trouble is - I'm so unaccustomed to this success that I have no idea whether I should harvest them now or leave them alone to see if they'll get any bigger How do I tell if they're ready?

[BabbyAnn]

Couldn't resist the urge to brag.

Trouble is - I'm so unaccustomed to this success that I have no idea whether I should harvest them now or leave them alone to see if they'll get any bigger How do I tell if they're ready?

  wow, I'm impressed - well done!

As an unsuccessful aubergine grower for the past 6 years, I don't think I'm in a position to help you there, but looking at the piccie I might be tempted to pick now rather than regret laterl

On the subject of setting fruit, I was in last year's "never again" brigade but I couldn't help myself and sowed a few Early Long Purple seeds in spring.  When it came to repotting, they were at the bottom of my list of priorities and are still in 5 inch pots despite the lovely foliage, and even the space in the polytuinnel has been relegated to the floor while all the chillies got prime position on the racking and tables.  They've been flowering for some while and I've felt obliged to give them the flower fondle, the plant shake and the odd accidental kick under the table while I've been shuffling in and out of the polytunnel.  Blow me, there must be several fruit set on all 3 plants!  So the secret might be not to have your hopes up, treat them like rubbish and they might just get productive to spite you and make you wish you'd potted them up properly and given them better growing conditions 

[Coldfeet]

Although I have yet to harvest an aubergine of my own, I think I know what I am looking for from long experience of buying, cooking and eating them.  When you give them a squeeze do they 'give'?  If they are still very firm, they will not taste their best.

[shokkyy]

Too late - we had pasta melanzane e mozzarella for dinner tonight. It was lush

[compostqueen]

One of my favourite dishes that is.

I'm dead jealous of your huge aubergine. I'd settle for just a small one   

Maybe next year 

[jokey333]

always tickle my flowers with a paint brush, i have about 6 aubergines on each plant

[shokkyy]

I'm dead jealous of your huge aubergine. I'd settle for just a small one   

Maybe next year 

Wasn't just one, all the plants are loaded with fruit.

[Tom Tom Mad]

I don't like to brag!!!😉

This year I have already harvested 19 aubergines, and there are still about 20 small ones forming.

I don't know what has changed this year maybe the weather but my previous attempts have been woeful.

Mine the in a greenhouse with peppers, chillies  the aubergines are next to the door and have done really well and no sign of red spider mite.

I reiterate I don't like to brag!!! Much

[devonbarmygardener]

We all get proud and a bit smug when we grow something well
Can't be helped!

Note: posting pics of my aubs tomorrow :happy:

[devonbarmygardener]

And here they are! :happy: :happy: :happy:

[jokey333]

i agree with tickling your aub flowers with a paint brush, always get lots of fruit x

[andyf75]

funnily enough I now have 2 fruits starting to develop!

Hopefuly the warm sunny spell now forecast will bring them along nicely