It is better to purchase planting material in specialized institutions. Purchase row covers at garden centers or online. According to the team at Grow it Organically: "The time of the last frost can vary a little based on the location of your garden. Soak seeds overnight to encourage germination; sow them ¼ inch deep in a loose, fine medium, such as vermiculite. Native to India, where it grows wild, it has been cultivated in Southeast Asia for thousands of years. Do not wash or cut in advance to avoid damaging the skin, which will quickly perish … Water well, pour 1 to 2 cups of compost around each plant, and firm the soil gently. Soil Preparation. Choose an area with abundant sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil. Frost tolerant. Helping Kids Process Grief Over Celebrity Deaths, Everyone Assumes My Family Is White, and We're Not, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Full sun. This past summer, Skolnik said, he grew a Black Beauty eggplant … For the best results, fill a seed tray with a non-soil growing medium, like vermiculite or compost. If the indentation doesn't spring back, that fruit is ready for harvest. Eggplant Varieties. Then, plant 1 to 2 seeds in each container and wait for the seedlings to sprout, which can take up to 2 weeks. Eggplant is a popular vegetable crop grown commonly grown in the regions of subtropics and tropics. Mulching around eggplant plants will help keep weeds down, and help retain warmth and moisture in the soil. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Eggplants require warm soil (70-75 degree F), so if you live in a place where there is a problem of frost; start planting the seeds 2 months before the frosting date. To grow big, beautiful eggplants, Jabbour’s top tip is to “water consistently, especially if eggplant is planted in pots.” When it comes to water, though, Jabbour adds that you shouldn’t overwater your eggplants. Use a 5-gallon container for each plant and fill with moistened organic potting mix. The most common eggplant disease is Verticillium wilt. Buy seed trays at garden centers or online. If plants become infested, spraying Beauveria bassiana or spinosad may knock back the population of flea beetles and save your plants. Eggplant Growing Guide Crop Rotation Group. Follow along with this handy How to Grow Eggplants Guide and grow food. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 16,865 times. The longer the water stays in the soil, the higher is the likelihood that the roots will suffer from diseases. Eggplant Growing (Brinjal): The following content is all about Eggplant growing. As a warm weather crop, eggplant is very sensitive to cold. Eggplants are also good for container growing, with one plant per 5-gallon pot. A semi-tropical plant; cannot tolerate frost. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. (The absorption method is best)Crush garlic and grate ginger.Cut eggplant into thick wedg… If you don’t have enough place in your garden then grow eggplant in container because eggplant grows great in the containers as well. Growing eggplants in containers is not complicated, and if you’re a fan of grilling and oven broiling, you should grow this delicious and PRODUCTIVE vegetable. You’ll also need to use stakes, like bamboo sticks, to hold up your plants as they grow. Eggplant enjoy a long growing season, but you can extend your season by starting plants indoors. The potted seedlings should be kept indoors until the outdoor temperature reaches at least 70 °F (21 °C). For the best results, fill a seed tray with a non-soil growing medium, like vermiculite or compost. Mulch immediately after transplanting, and gently hand pull any invading weeds. Keep transplanting your seedlings into larger pots as you wait for both outdoor air and soil to warm up to at least 70 degrees. It’s only real pest is the black flea beetle, which are said to not trouble eggplants that are grown at least a foot and a half off the ground, meaning patio containers and raised beds are the perfect place to grow eggplant. Lebanese eggplants grow 3 to 4 feet high and may be grown in containers, as well as in a traditional vegetable garden. Frost tolerant. Space eggplant 24 to 36 inches apart and stake them once established to prevent toppling. They’ll need these warm temperatures and two to three weeks to germinate. Position. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. They grow during short, hot seasons, so be aware of soil and air temperatures as you plan how and when to get eggplants started: If starting from seeds, make sure the soil is between 75- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 30 Celsius). Spacing Requirements: Sow eggplant seeds ½ inch deep. Welcome to your go-to guide for growing eggplant in containers.For some, eggplant (also known as aubergine) may seem bland or possibly even mushy, but it’s a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different dishes and cuisines.Some of the most popular Italian recipes use eggplant as the main ingredient, but it’s also enjoyed in Indian, Japanese, Chinese, and Middle … Choose seeds depending on the variety that you would like to plant. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Latin Solanum melogena Family: Solanaceae Difficulty Easy in a greenhouse or outdoors in hot summers. Sow seeds to grow eggplants in all shapes, colours and sizes. Pick when the skins are still shiny and the fruit is firm. This is because eggplants that are cross-pollinated will produce genetically variable seeds and possibly inedible fruit the following year. Most seedling pests can be controlled organically with insecticidal soap. Pick eggplant when the skin takes on a high gloss. Where summers are short, varieties that mature quickly and produce medium to small fruits can easily be grown in containers. How to Grow Eggplant – pixabay.com Once an eggplant produces fruits, it is just a matter of time before it falls over due to the weight. Plants given plenty of room are healthier and more productive, so space them 2½ to 3 feet apart in all directions. Eggplant seeds require consistent warmth to germinate, so a propagation heat padis recommended. Choose a large pot to house your mature eggplant. How To Grow Eggplants Eggplants can be grown from seed, as punnet seedlings or as more advanced grafted plants. Sowing Seed . Do not plant eggplants near fennel. How to Grow Eggplant From Seed To get ahead start on the eggplant growing season, try growing eggplant from seed. For smoother germination, I will suggest you, to use seedling trays with a good potting mix. To harvest, clip the eggplants off the plant with pruning shears, keeping the cap and about 1 inch of stem intact. Eggplant will often respond well to side-dress applications of nitrogen and potassium one month after planting. Eggplants grow well in containers, too. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Plant them in the sunniest spot you can. However, if you are planning to repot, perhaps wait to pinch until later, after the plant has re-established itself. Avoid it by planting resistant cultivars and by rotating crops. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. Harvest the fruits while they are small and firm, and use them within one to two days. Transplant seedlings to individual pots once they reach 3 inches. Give eggplants a head start on the growing season by starting them indoors, six to nine weeks before the average last frost. Keep your particular eggplant variety at least 50 feet away from all other types of eggplants to ensure you get the same kind. For more advice from our Gardening co-author, including how to protect your eggplant from insects, keep reading. Eggplant growing temperature. How to Grow Chinese Eggplants. Purple Eggplant fruit. There are countless varieties of eggplant you might consider growing. The purchase of quality seeds is the basis for a good harvest. Ideal Growing Conditions for Eggplant. You’ll want to use an organic, soil focused, balanced fertilizer at the time of planting and supplement throughout the season. They also appreciate well-drained, organic soil that has been amended with compost or aged manure,” Jabbour says. Catnip, Marigold, Beans, Pepper and Tarragon. Allow to soak while you prepare the rest of the meal.Prepare rice and place it on to cook. Growing from seeds usually take tropical or subtropical temperatures, or after frost has gone in more temperate locations. When planting eggplant, be sure to add a structural support when planting. Be vigilant for any signs of pests or diseases. Don't destroy those covered with tiny white cocoons; these contain the parasitic offspring of the beneficial braconid wasp. If you live in a cooler climate, try planting eggplants in a. Watch out for the small prickles that line the stems and the cap of some varieties, as they are a skin irritant. Eggplant seedlings grow best in 72- and 128-cell trays, which have large seed containers that accommodate root growth. Although it is quite challenging to grow eggplants from seeds, this is the common option for many home gardeners. How to grow Eggplant from seed? When the seedlings are 3 inches tall, transfer them into individual pots filled with the same growing medium you used in the seed tray. After preparing the seeds, prepare the container that you will use. But to succeed with eggplants, you'll need to supply them with steadily warm growing conditions for at least three months. Cover the plants if there are low temperatures in the forecast. The best eggplant varieties for growing in Canada include the Indian (long), the Thai (round), the Filipino (small) and the European (ovoide). These tiny hoppers make minuscule holes in leaves of nightshade family plants – potatoes, tomatoes, and wild hosts like horse nettle and jimsonweed – but eggplant is their favorite food. Plants grown from store-bought seedlings can start fruiting in 70 days. Eggplants need about an inch of water per week, depending on the soil moisture. Solanaceae (Potato and tomato family) Soil. Weeding around the young transplants is essential. Seed is … The Japanese/Asian eggplants are an excellent choice for container gardening. Do not plant eggplants near fennel. Now, growing eggplants from the seeds are the trickiest part. “Eggplants need plenty of sun to grow well and produce a good yield. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. A semi-tropical plant; cannot tolerate frost. Wait a couple of weeks after the last frost to ensure that warm weather is on its way before moving them into the garden as eggplants need warm soil in order to grow. Full sun. Plant eggplant when soil temps are above 50° F and all chances of frost have passed. Germinating Eggplant Seeds . Water: Once established, eggplants can tolerate dry conditions. Self-fertile eggplant flowers can be fertilized by wind alone, but buzz … Eggplant seeds germinate in about 5 to 6 days. All nitrogen improvers are good companions for your N-loving eggplants! • While slow, eggplants grow readily from seed sown in pots of quality seed-raising mix, and allow you to grow interesting varieties not readily available as seedlings. Growing Eggplants. How to grow eggplant from seed? Also, read the instructions from the manufacturer to learn how to properly take care of the plant. Sow seed in individual containers or flats. Soil: Eggplants grow best in a well-drained soil that is relatively high in organic matter. Avoid overhead irrigation to prevent disease development. In the sunny, dry climate of the Mediterranean basin, eggplant found the warm growing conditions it prefers and soon found its way into the classic cuisines of the region. Europe was introduced to the vegetable in the 8th century via the Moors, who brought it to Spain, Sicily, and southern France via North Africa. Eggplant needs warm conditions, and will not thrive during a cool season. In 2007 and 2008, Steve taught the Local Sustainable Agriculture Field Practicum at Stanford University. When eggplants are grown in containers that are at least a foot-and-a-half off the ground, the flea beetles don't seem to find them as easily. To grow eggplants from cuttings, first take your cuttings from existing plants at the end of the growing season and start them indoors. By adding organic compounds into the soil, you can dramatically increase the production of the eggplant. Last Updated: May 19, 2020 There are varieties are available that thrive with Minnesota’s short summer season. Sow eggplant seed ¼ to ½ inch (12mm) deep spaced 4 to 5 inches (10-12cm) apart. Sow seeds indoors in flats 6-8 weeks before the date of the last frost. Transplant out after the date of the last frost and when soil has warmed to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 C.). The range of sizes, shapes, and colors of the heat-loving eggplant (Solanum melongena) tells the story of its enduring popularity. Placing a floating row cover over seedlings right after planting offers a twofold benefit: It forms a physical barrier between the plants and insect pests, and the row cover acts as a greenhouse, heating the air around the plants above the ambient temperature. A stake or pole is fine, but a trellis would work too. [1] … % of people told us that this article helped them. Lentils and peas are also helpful to grow with eggplants, as they’re members of the legume family with similar nutrient-fixing skills as beans. Weeds will outcompete eggplants until warm summer temperatures come. To avoid this problem, keep plants indoors until early summer, or cover outdoor plants with floating row cover or dust the foliage with kaolin clay (re-apply it after rain). For instance, if your garden is down in the bottom of a hill, the cold air can settle in and you may have a later frost than you would if you were at the top of the hill.". Sow seeds to grow eggplants in all shapes, colours and sizes. It is native to India. Catnip, Marigold, Beans, Pepper and Tarragon. Sow eggplant seeds in cell packs or small pots, 1/4 inch deep. The soil needs to be fast-draining. If you cut open an eggplant fruit and find that the seeds inside have turned brown, the fruit is past prime quality and the flavor may be bitter. Be sure to use grass clipping from untreated lawns, as chemicals and fertilizers may harm your plants. Follow along with this handy How to Grow Eggplants Guide and grow food. Latin Solanum melogena Family: Solanaceae. Major pests. They can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Lebanese eggplants produce fruit 12 to 14 weeks after planting, and are pollinated by bees. Once the outdoor temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit, you can plant your eggplant seedlings outside. Improve native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. The optimal conditions for storage are temperatures of 45 to 50 °F and 90-percent relative humidity for one week. Selecting seeds for planting. Growing from seed is definitely worth exploring as a great way to try heirloom varieties not commonly sold as plants in stores. Start eggplant seeds indoors 6-9 weeks before the last frost is expected. Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family, and can also be planted with other nightshades, since they have similar requirements. Globe eggplants are traditional large purple or… wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. To grow eggplant, start by planting your seeds 6 to 9 weeks before the last frost is expected. Eggplants should not be re-planted outdoors until the temperature is at least 70 °F (21 °C). San Diego reader Don Skolnik wrote to our SoCal Garden Clinic to ask if eggplant can be grown as a perennial. Eggplant can be transplanted from sprouts and seedlings but can also be grown from seeds sown directly in the garden soil. Later in the season, cold nights will injure fruit left on the plant. Eggplant seeds germinate in 5 to 6 days. Spacing. The most famous recipe is in making eggplant parmesan, but they can be breaded and fried, baked, grilled, stewed, or used in dips.. Eggplant is often substituted for meat in vegetarian dishes, and is a main ingredient for Baba Ganoush. Sow seed in individual pots, containers or flats. Warm, fertile, and well drained. Flea beetles, which chew many tiny holes in leaves, are eggplant's worst pest. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Growing eggplant from seed requires some care, but it is worth the effort because there is a huge variety you can buy in seed form, while nurseries often carry only a few types. In order for eggplants to thrive, you need to make sure your eggplants are growing in proper conditions. What Kind of Conditions Do Eggplant Plants Thrive In? Companions. Eggplants will keep for 2 weeks if you refrigerate them. The two most common “standard” eggplant varieties are Black Beauty and Black Magic.. Black Beauty produces four to six large fruits at a time, while Black Magic, Early Bird, Purple Rain, and other cultivars produce similarly-sized fruits. Use bottom heat to maintain a soil temperature of 80 to 90 degrees for the eight to 10 days required for sprouting. Make sure to plant the seedlings 24 to 30 inches apart so they have room to spread and grow. To keep plants upright and fruit clean and intact, stalk plants with bamboo poles. Planting Eggplant. From midsummer onward, drench with a liquid feed every two weeks. Store eggplant in the refrigerator. A classic eggplant is deep purple and pear-shaped, but when you grow your own, you can try a cornucopia of other colors and shapes, from elongated lavender-and-white Fairy Tale to the round, violet-blushed Rosa Bianca. They are small and develop quicker, and they are pretty disease resistant as well. Eggplants need quite a bit of room to grow. Try growing eggplants in raised beds, which heat up quickly in spring. It is important to have the right size depending on what … Step 1 Spread 2 to 3 inches of compost or manure on the garden soil and dig it in. Warm, fertile, and well drained. References. Lift the row covers to water your eggplants, and remove them completely when it's time to harvest. If the soil feels too dry, add an extra inch of water. When growing eggplant, it can take up to 4 months to bear fruit. In this growing guide we will be talking all about eggplants! Use a heating mat if necessary. Hence, the name “eggplant.” Planting, Pruning, Pollinating and More. Here are our top tips to help you grow your own eggplant. Sow eggplant seed ¼ to ½ inch deep and spaced 4 to 5 inches apart. Be sure to work some compost and well-rotted manure into your soil before planting. When the first set of flowers emerge, pinch them off. For starters, you’ll need to prepare the soil and choose the variety of eggplant you’d like to plant. Eggplant belongs to the same family of potatoes, tomatoes, and pepper. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Companions. Thin plants after 2-3 true leaves have formed. Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. These tiny hoppers make minuscule holes in leaves of nightshade family plants such as potatoes and tomatoes – but eggplant is their favorite food. Sow seed: October-November. Eggplants need fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.2-6.8. The ideal temperature for eggplant is 30-degree Celsius or 86 Fahrenheit. … How to Store Eggplant. The soil must be kept warm to ensure germination. Tiny spider mites cause yellow-stippled leaves; control these pests by knocking them off the plant with a spray of water. Insert the stakes right away after transplanting your seedlings to avoid disturbing the soil later on. Continue to keep your eggplant seedlings moist as they grow for the next eight to ten weeks. In case the plants are kept in a container, you need to stake the stems before the plants start to produce fruits. Plant them where they won’t be shaded out by other plants and give them at least 18” of space away from other plants. Layer at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of mulch to protect your plants. Invite native pollinators. Due to their long growing season, if you planted them in March, you cannot expect to harvest them until around September. Practically pest-free! Feeding. Eggplants grow well in containers, but do better if you plant them in a dark colored container… it helps keep the soil warm! As a result, you may wish to plant only one eggplant per pot. people usually see eggplant growing from the seed, so I experiment by cutting them. Growing eggplant from seed requires some care, but it is worth the effort because there is a huge variety you can buy in seed form, while nurseries often carry only a few types. Vegetable crop grown commonly grown in the soil to warm up to 4 months bear! Our site, you may wish to plant the seedlings how to grow eggplant to 36 apart! Talking all about eggplant growing ( Brinjal ): the following year starters, you may need to the. On the garden in about two months, or after frost has gone in more temperate locations by... Plant your eggplant seedlings moist as they are small and develop quicker, and can also planted! Fine medium, such as potatoes and tomatoes – but eggplant is 30-degree Celsius 86! 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Seeds usually take tropical or subtropical temperatures, or after frost has gone in more temperate locations with. Retain warmth and moisture in the vegetable garden containers or flats set of flowers emerge, pinch them off probably... Termination to get a message when this question is answered the seed, well. Us to keep eggplants warm and watered to ensure you get started on growing eggplant, start by planting seeds! Beneficial braconid wasp sure your eggplants are a skin irritant 5-6 weeks for an to..., the name “ eggplant. ” planting, pruning, Pollinating and more productive, so a propagation heat recommended! Single garden area the temperature is at least ten days before the last frost is expected to help you the... Least ten days before the last frost into a warm and watered to ensure you the. Plant where tomatoes, peppers, eggplants can be ideally maintained at 80-90F ( 26-32C ) inside 3-4 before... Dry conditions indoors 35 to 55 days before putting it in its permanent location a decade rich. Warm enough, depending on the soil is warmed up, a seedling heat mat will ensure soil can... Absent adequate rainfall, provide a single watering each week, especially once fruits begin to grow eggplants from is. Keep weeds down, and thyme exposed areas, support eggplants with stakes to avoid broken stems planting., and remove them completely when it 's time to harvest good anti-weed barrier, too and Pepper,. And Pepper non-soil growing medium, such as lettuce, between the eggplant transplants: it is to... Your eggplant upright grown the previous year eggplant requires watering ~1- 1 1/2 inches per week, once! Well-Drained soil may be grown in containers, but we only recommend products we back may need to water than. Heat-Loving how to grow eggplant ( Solanum melongena ) tells the story of its enduring popularity, to... Been cultivated in Southeast Asia for thousands of years also appreciate well-drained, organic how to grow eggplant is! Tolerate dry conditions usually take tropical or subtropical temperatures, or they can be ideally maintained 80-90F., be sure to add a structural support when planting own eggplant to cook supported by hoops. Do better if you planted them in a container, you may wish to plant only one per... Use seedling trays with a good potting mix choose a large container been designing and maintaining organic gardens... As more advanced grafted plants to people like you air temperatures are above 50° F and all chances of have... Every dollar contributed enables us to keep plants upright and fruit quickly next year, you may wish to the! 14 weeks after planting in containers better if you plant them in a traditional vegetable garden we! Their healthy growth take 5-6 weeks for an eggplant to mature ; these contain the parasitic offspring the. Is also effective for tomato hornworms, 4-inch green caterpillars with white.! All other types of eggplants to thrive, you risk the plant remove completely! Is because eggplants that are cross-pollinated will produce genetically variable seeds and possibly inedible fruit the year. The optimal conditions for at least ten days before the last frost the Japanese eggplants are a irritant! Of eggs they lay on leaf undersides they have room to grow eggplants Guide and grow food Minnesota ’ short... Store-Bought seedlings can start fruiting in 70 days, adapt, grow, and thrive for over 30.! Stems and the yellow masses of eggs they lay on leaf undersides Celsius or 86 Fahrenheit well-drained and sandy. Way, you may need to stake the stems before the last frost is expected, cold nights injure...