When to pick Giraf(fe)?

[Suze]

I'm not sure when I should pick these. They've been on the vine at what looks to be a mature size for a while now, and aren't getting any bigger. But they really aren't changing color either, except for a very slight yellow cast to some of them.

Should I go ahead and harvest? I'm concerned they'll crack if I don't with all this rain we've been having, then they won't be any good as longkeepers.

What about the ones I want to save seed from -- leave on the vine until ripe?

Thanks for any advice.

[JerryL]

Hey Suze,

I only grew Giraffe once back in 2004.

The first pic below was taken 10/16/2004 just after picking.

The second & third were taken on 11/26/2004.

I think ya can pick em whenever you want and it doesn't make much difference.

[Andrey_BY]

Giraf is a very loooong keeper. I usually pick it about 120-130 days after starting the seed. It will be ready for eating after 2-5 months of storage. A great Russian variety translated in English as Giraffe