Kitchen Garden Forum

I have 3 large QLD Blue who are just refusing to ripen & remain green, well one is very slightly grey in the right light. They are sheltered from the elements along the fence line with plantings on the other side of it & they do get the sun a lot of the day & I've removed all the other plants & vines as all ripe. How can I help them ripen quickly & throughly for storage? Will they eventually ripen if I cut them a 'T' handle & take home, or leave them in the tunnel for the extra heat? Do I cover them & leave them do their own thing?

I know I should know but I've never had fully green fruits this late, & a bit concerned as moving into Oct & it is be getting cooler & darker every day.

I'd leave them until either the foliage dies or frost is predicted whichever comes first.

It might help to consider using row covers or a greenhouse to protect your plants from cold. Improving drainage and using mulch could also support growth in cooler weather. Regularly check the plants for any signs of stress, and adjust care as needed.