Eggplant Problem

16 years ago

I've got an issue with my Fairytale Eggplants, which up until now have been a dream crop for me. The plants seem to have stopped producing (no new flowers at all), and a few blossom buds even dropped off. The leaves, which used to be a rich, dark green, are now lightened, with yellowing and even some browning around the edges. And I'm not sure if this is related, but many of the eggplants look almost bleached--many of the pretty, dark purple and cream stripes have faded to a light lavender.

They did dry out a few times, briefly, with all the crazy heat Chicago's had--but they seemed to perk back up with watering. There are no holes in the leaves, or signs of insects. Could I have failed to fertilize enough? Have the plants just run their course? Any other ideas?

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Comments (6)

capitalistbaby
16 years ago
Maybe try some compost tea for a quick boost, but maybe I'm wrong, not an eggplant expert.
shebear
16 years ago
Mine seem to do that a couple of times during my long growing season. I just put more compost around them, give them a bit of fertilizer and make sure I keep them watered. The old leaves fall off and new leaves grow and they start producing again. Mine also change color during the season. I've often wondered if it's heat or water related.
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albertar
16 years ago
Here on Long Island I have had the best crop of eggplants in a long time, this season. What eggplants love is HEAT, LOTS OF HEAT. If it has cooled off any in Chicago like it has here; than thats the reason your eggplant production has slowed to a crawl, and why the buds are falling off.
seegengrow
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks, everyone. It definitely isn't related to cold weather, since as of the date of my post, it had been pretty consistently in the low to mid 90's around here. Actually, we've had an unusually hot summer. Anyone think the heat could be to blame? I added a boost of fertilizers, but the plant doesn't seem to be improving. A few of the fruits that were left on the plant have started to take on a bright yellow/greenish cast in spots, with what seems to be a bit of rotting underneath. Don't know if that helps! I'm thinking maybe these plants have just run their course?
gardenall
16 years ago
Mine did this and I picked them clean to rebuild strength and regain energy. They are full of eggplant fruits again and is doing great.(pick fruit before skin starts loosing its shine for best results)
seegengrow
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks, gardenall. I picked them clean and hit them with a pretty strong boost of fertilizers (organic). Seaweed concentrate and then an organic monster produce solution. That was about a week and a half/two weeks ago--I've since noticed some new growth with normal leaf coloring and new flower formation. The damage may have been done, and of course Chicago's now cooling off considerably, but I think these guys may have just been more aggressive feeders than I'd anticipated. I know for next year!