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The standard eggplant produces egg-shaped, glossy, purple-black fruit. ‘Black Beauty’ is the traditional eggplant size. One plant produces 4 to 6 large rounded fruit.
Do eggplants keep producing?
Although eggplants will keep growing and flowering, they are more productive if cut back and allowed to regrow during late summer. Cut plants to about 6 to 8 inches in early August, cut at a crotch, fertilize and allow them to regrow. Fertilize and keep soils moist to force them to regrow.
How many eggplants should I plant for a family of 4?
Planting a vegetable garden for a family Crop (number of plants per ft. of row) Number of plants per person Corn (1 plant/ft. of row) 10-15 plants Eggplant (1 plant/2 ft. of row) 2-3 plants Kale (10/10 ft. of row) 2-7 plants Leaf lettuce (Thin to 3 plants/ft. of row) 24 plants.
How much does an eggplant yield?
A single Eggplant plant will produce between 8 and 20 fruits per plant which equates to a yield between 3.5 to 8.5 lbs (1.5 to 3.8 kg) depending upon the variety.
Do you need 2 eggplants to produce fruit?
The answer is that the eggplant is self-pollinating due to its “perfect” or “complete” flowers. Perfect flowers contain both anthers (which produce pollen) and pistils (which receive the pollen). You can even say “There, there, good flower,” but it’s not really necessary.
Do eggplants come back every year?
Although eggplant is a perennial, it is more commonly grown as an annual.
Does eggplant need a trellis?
Like tomatoes and peppers, eggplants should be staked for optimum growth and yield (Figure 2). Staking keeps the eggplant fruit from touching the ground, which reduces disease and improves fruit shape, particularly on elongated fruit. Staking also makes harvesting easier.
Can you plant two eggplants together?
apart is fine, although 2 ½ feet (76 cm.) apart will keep you from accidentally breaking branches as you are harvesting your eggplant fruits. If you are planting lots of eggplant and need rows, leave an area 30-36 inches (76-91 cm.) Multiple plantings can go in a long planter with at least 18 inches (46 cm.)Nov 20, 2020.
How long does it take to grow an eggplant?
Harvest eggplant 65 to 80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety. When starting from seed, expect 100 to 120 days to maturity. July, August, and September (even into October) are all harvest months for eggplant, depending on where you live and the variety you planted. Don’t wait too long to harvest!.
Should I pinch off eggplant flowers?
Pruning Eggplant Suckers Even if you don’t want to cut back your eggplant drastically, it’s a good idea to remove suckers. Pinching off these suckers when they’re small will allow the plant to focus more of its energy on fruit production, resulting in larger, more impressive eggplants.
How long do eggplants last?
Eggplants do not store well for long periods of time. Without refrigeration, eggplants can be stored in a cool, dry place for 1 or 2 days. If you don’t intend to eat the eggplant within 2 days, it should be refrigerated.
When should I pick my eggplant?
Eggplant should be harvested when they are one-third to two-thirds full mature size. ANSWER: We harvest eggplants in the unripe immature stage, like we do bell peppers, cucumbers, squash, okra and snap beans. As such, you cannot harvest them too early.
Why are my eggplants flowering but not fruiting?
When an eggplant plant is stressed, its blossoms will dry up and drop off without producing fruit. The most common reason a eggplant gets stressed is due to a lack of water. Your eggplant needs at least 2 inches (5 cm.) of water a week, more in very hot weather.
How can you tell a male from a female eggplant?
Male eggplants have fewer seeds and are less likely to be bitter. To differentiate between male and female eggplants, inspect the flower end. The male has a small, round, smooth end; the female has an irregular, less smooth end.
How do I get my eggplant to produce fruit?
Eggplants love well-drained, sandy soil that is rich in minerals, particularly nitrogen and phosphorous during the bearing fruit phase of the plant. Other important elements include potassium, phosphorous and magnesium. You can add all these elements into the soil by feeding it regularly with organic fertilizers.
How do you increase eggplant yield?
5 Tips for Growing Excellent Eggplant Try growing small-fruited eggplant varieties. Start seeds late. Anticipate eggplant flea beetles. Invite native pollinators. Provide timely feedings.
Do eggplants need a lot of water?
Watering. Eggplant also needs consistent water, at least 1 inch per week. It is better to give one thorough soaking than several frequent, short waterings, because frequent watering promotes shallow roots. Weather and soil type, of course, will affect water demand.
What should you not plant next to eggplant?
Eggplant – A good companion for amaranth, beans, marigolds, peas, peppers, spinach, and thyme. Do not plant eggplants near fennel.
Can eggplant and tomatoes be planted together?
Q: Can I plant tomatoes and eggplant together? A: Yes! Tomatoes and eggplant are both members of the nightshade family and have similar growing requirements. Just be sure to give them both plenty of room, and lots of compost or organic matter.
How far apart do you plant eggplant in a raised bed?
Try growing eggplants in raised beds, which heat up quickly in spring. Plants given plenty of room are healthier and more productive, so space them 2½ to 3 feet apart in all directions. Water well, pour 1 to 2 cups of compost around each plant, and firm the soil gently.
Where should I plant eggplant in my garden?
Plant eggplant when soil temps are above 50° F and all chances of frost have passed. Space eggplant 24 to 36 inches apart and stake them once established to prevent toppling. Choose an area with abundant sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil.
