![]() ![]() Set up a drip system or soaker hose to ensure consistent and deep watering. Sprinkle the fertilizer between plant rows, about 12 inches away from the base of the plants. As plants start to grow, side dress with a well-balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) or compost. Plan on fertilizing plants about once a month through the season to increase eggplant yield. Dig in compost, well-aged manure or other organic soil amendment before planting.Įggplant can also grow well in a large container where you have more control over the soil fertility. Soil NeedsĮggplants grow best in fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Select the sunniest spot, whether in the vegetable bed, raised bed, container on the patio or even in the front flower garden. ![]() Like tomatoes and peppers, eggplants need about 8 hours of full sun each day. Requirements for Growing Eggplants Light Requirements After planting, add a support to each plant, like a tomato cage. Place young plants about 18-30 inches apart in rows that are at least 24 inches apart. Plant eggplants when soil temperature is at least 70 degrees and when nighttime temperatures are a reliable 55 degrees. Even healthy plants can have a difficult time catching up after being exposed to cold temperatures.īe sure to slowly acclimate transplants to the outdoors before planting into warm soil. When it comes to planting eggplants, it’s better to wait until after your last frost date and for the soil and air temperatures to warm up than to expose eggplants to any cool weather. ![]() When to Transplant Eggplants to the Garden Keep garden center transplants in a warm location until the danger of frost has passed and it’s time to set them out in the garden. If buying transplants for your garden, select plants that are about 6-7 inches tall without any flowers or fruit on them. In regions with long growing seasons, direct sow eggplant seeds about ½ inch deep and 18-24 inches apart in garden beds. Don’t let the soil dry out to prevent plant stress. Eggplant can be temperamental, so baby them along with bottom heat and good lighting. If starting your own transplants from seed, allow at least two months from the time they germinate for the plants to reach transplant size. Plants can suffer if they don’t get enough water, heat and light. Plants can be particular and need the right kind of care from the very start. How to Grow Eggplant from Seeds or TransplantsĮggplants can be grown from seeds or transplants, depending on your preference and your patience. These small white, egg-shaped fruits grow to 2-3 inches, but have a rich eggplant flavor 65 days. Japanese White Egg is an example of how eggplants earned their name. Specialty EggplantsĪnnina is a purple and white striped heirloom eggplant with exceptional flavor fruits are about 5 inches long and teardrop shaped 69 days. The fruits grow to 9 inches long and slender and have a sweet flavor 65 days. Ping Tung Long is a Japanese eggplant variety used for pickling. Almost seedless, these eggplants are perfect for stir fry dishes 62 days. Millionaire is an Asian-type hybrid with long slender fruits that can grow to about 12 inches long and only 2 inches wide. Traviata is another Italian-type eggplant that grows perfect deep purple 6–8-inch fruits than can be harvested through the season 55-60 days. Dark purple fruits grow to 6-8 inches long 68 days. Here are a few eggplant varieties to get you started: Standard Eggplantsīlack Bell is a hybrid Italian eggplant in the classic oval shape. Whichever eggplants you decide to grow, be sure to read the descriptions to learn about the fruits, their size and taste. Asian types are excellent in stir fries and curries eggplant Parmesan uses the large classic Italian type.Įvery variety has something in common: beautiful plants with velvety leaves and pretty lavender, purple or white flowers. You can choose eggplant varieties based on how you’ll use them in your cooking. Most people are familiar with the large purple eggplants (often called Black Beauty) found at grocery stores, but there are dozens of other types of eggplants you can grow. Like tomatoes and peppers, eggplants require a long growing season and are often started from seeds planted early in the season and then transplanted to the garden when the soil and temperature has warmed.įor the best results in short-season regions, wait for warm days and nights before planting and choose eggplant varieties that have the shortest time to maturity, like 50-80 days from transplanting. Get the Guide! Introduction to Eggplant (Solanum melongena)Įggplant is a warm-season vegetable that grows as a perennial plant in tropical climates, but as an annual in cooler regions. Ready to grow fresh greens, no matter WHERE you live? Sign up for myįREE quick-start guide and start growing some of your own food! ![]()
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