Overmature fruits are spongy and seedy. The fruit does not store well and should be eaten soon after it is harvested. Large, vigorous plants yield as many as four to six fruits at a time during the peak of the season. Back To Top Common Problems Early blight starts at the bottom of the plant. Verticillium wilt causes yellowing, wilting and death of the plants.
Flea beetles cause tiny holes in the leaves, and damage can be severe if unchecked.
These beetles can be controlled by applying an insecticide. When the side of the fruit is pressed lightly with thumbnail and an indentation remains, the fruit is ripe. Long, slender Japanese eggplant may be ready to harvest from finger or hot dog size. The fruit is too ripe if it has a dull color and brown seeds and needs to be discarded. I planted my eggplants early, but they did not grow very well.