When To Pick Aubergines

You should pick aubergines when they reach their mature size and develop a glossy, vibrant skin that yields slightly under gentle pressure.
 

Knowing when to pick aubergines is one of those skills that separates a decent harvest from a truly great one.
 
If you’ve ever wondered when to pick aubergines from your garden, the answer comes down to a few visual and tactile clues that are surprisingly easy to learn.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly when to pick aubergines, how to tell a ripe aubergine from an overripe one, and the best way to harvest them so your plant keeps producing.
 
Learning when to harvest aubergines isn’t complicated, but timing does matter more than most gardeners realize.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

When to Pick Aubergines: The Key Signs to Look For

 
When to pick aubergines comes down to three main signals: size, skin, and firmness.
 
Your aubergine is ready to pick when it hits the expected size for its variety, its skin is smooth and glossy, and it feels firm but gives just a little when you press it with your thumb.
 
Here are the specific signs that tell you when to pick aubergines:
 

1. Size Matches the Variety

 
The first clue for when to pick aubergines is size.
 
Most varieties are ready somewhere between 4 and 8 inches long, depending on the type you’re growing.
 
Don’t wait for the aubergine to get as big as the ones at the grocery store, because oversized aubergines tend to turn bitter and seedy.
 
The moment your aubergine reaches its expected size, that’s your first green light for when to pick aubergines.
 

2. Glossy, Shiny Skin

 
A ripe aubergine has a beautiful, reflective sheen.
 
When the skin looks dull or starts to lose that shine, the aubergine is likely past its prime.
 
This shift from glossy to matte is one of the most reliable indicators for when to pick aubergines.
 
If your aubergine still looks like it’s been polished, you’re in good shape.
 

3. Firm but Slightly Springy Texture

 
Press your thumb gently against the side of the aubergine.
 
When to pick aubergines is largely about feel, and the right feel is firm with just a touch of give.
 
If the skin bounces back with no indentation, the aubergine is still underripe.
 
If your thumb leaves a deep dent, it’s overripe and past the window for when to pick aubergines.
 

When to Pick Aubergines Based on Timing and Growth

 
Beyond the physical signs, there’s a seasonal rhythm that tells you when to pick aubergines.
 
Aubergines typically take 65 to 80 days from transplanting to reach harvest.
 
Once the fruits set, they usually ripen within 25 to 40 days, so start checking daily once they reach full color.
 
Here are a few timing pointers for when to pick aubergines:
 

1. Harvest in the Morning

 
Early morning is the best time of day for when to pick aubergines.
 
The fruit is cool, hydrated, and at peak flavor before the heat of the day sets in.
 
A morning harvest also keeps the aubergine firmer for longer.
 

2. Don’t Wait for the Seeds to Darken

 
If you cut an aubergine open and the seeds have turned brown, you waited too long.
 
Ripe aubergines have pale, soft seeds, so use that as a benchmark for when to pick aubergines going forward.
 

3. Pick Before the First Frost

 
Aubergines hate the cold, so when a frost is on the way, pick every fruit, even the smaller ones.
 
If you’re wondering when to pick aubergines at the end of the season, the answer is simple: before temperatures dip below 50°F.
 

How to Harvest Aubergines Without Damaging the Plant

 
Knowing when to pick aubergines is half the battle; harvesting them correctly is the other half.
 
Ripe aubergines have tough, woody stems that don’t snap off easily the way tomatoes do.
 
Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife to cut the stem about an inch above the cap, leaving a short stub on the fruit.
 
Yanking an aubergine off the plant can tear the branches and reduce future yields, so always cut.
 
Once picked, store aubergines at room temperature and use them within a few days, because they don’t love the fridge.
 
If you must refrigerate them, keep them in the crisper drawer and use them within two to three days.
 
And keep checking the plant every couple of days after your first pick, because once an aubergine is harvested, the plant often pushes out more fruit.
 

So, When to Pick Aubergines?

 
You should pick aubergines when they’re firm, glossy, and at the right size for their variety.
 
The key signs for when to pick aubergines are a shiny skin, a slight give when pressed, and a size that matches the mature fruit without going oversized.
 
Use morning harvests, avoid brown seeds, and beat the first frost to get the best results.
 
Hope this post has helped you nail down exactly when to pick aubergines so you can enjoy them at their tender, flavorful best.