QA

How To Germinate Eggplant Seeds

Do you soak eggplant seeds before planting?

Eggplant is best started indoors (or on a patio if it’s warm enough) 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting into the garden. Do not set eggplants out until daytime temperatures are in the 70° F range. I recommend soaking your seeds in water for up to 24 hours. Most eggplant seeds germinate in 6-12 days.

Can you germinate eggplant seeds in paper towel?

Paper towels, filter paper or even newspaper provides an excellent medium for germinating seeds. They are pathogen-free and make it easy to control the moisture content for proper germination.

How long does it take for eggplant seeds to germinate?

Eggplant seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days, depending on the heat, moisture provided, and moisture content, and age of the seed. Seedlings with two sets of leaves can be transplanted into 4-inch or 2 x 2 x 6-inch pots two to three weeks after germination.

Why are my eggplant seeds not germinating?

the seeds are sensitive to temperatures and wont sprout until they feel the right temp. for eggplant thats really warm, peppers especially like it super hot before they sprout. if you are doing this inside you either wait till its warmer, or get a heat mat.

Should I germinate eggplant seeds?

At optimal conditions, the growing eggplant seeds should germinate within seven days. Two weeks after germination, fertilize the seedlings once a week with a soluble fertilizer — 1 tablespoon (15 ml.) of fertilizer to one gallon (4 L.) of water.

How do you plant eggplant seeds step by step?

Using your fingers, push 1-2 eggplant seeds into the growing medium in each individual seed container. Make sure that the seeds are about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) under the surface of the growing medium. Cover over the seeds and mist or sprinkle water onto the surface. Let the seeds germinate for 5-14 days.

Can you direct sow eggplant seeds?

Eggplant seed can be sown directly in the garden if the soil temperature is warm enough—and there are enough days in the season for plants to reach maturity. Seedlings started indoors should be kept under grow lights or in a sunny window after germination.

How long does it take to germinate seeds in a paper towel?

Germinating seeds on a paper towel can vary in time depending on the quality of the environment. If the conditions are ideal then you can expect your seeds to germinate in any time up to 7 days. If you can’t provide good conditions then it can take a little longer than that.

How do you germinate seeds at home?

Hack – 1 Soaking the seeds in water By soaking the seeds in water for few hours, you can enhance the germination of the seeds. Use warm water while soaking so that the seeds sprout well. Soaking for 8 to 12 hours will do the trick for you. Oversoaking will decompose the seeds and spoil your whole effort.

Are eggplants slow to germinate?

Peppers and Eggplants are slow to germinate and slow to grow. Peppers and Eggplants require warm soil to germinate. Peppers and Eggplants are planted outside after all danger of frost. Ideal seed starting time for Peppers and Eggplants is 6-8 weeks before your last frost.

What month do you plant eggplant?

When to Plant Eggplant Eggplants can only grow in warm soil—50 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The best time to plant eggplant is in late spring after the last threat of frost. Eggplants have a long growing season, so you’ll need to start them indoors around eight weeks before your region’s last frost date.

Are eggplants easy to grow?

Growing eggplant would be ridiculously easy if not for eggplant flea beetles. Eggplant is among the few vegetables that don’t mind warm roots, so they grow well in roomy containers provided the plants are given plenty of water.

Can you bury eggplant stems?

You can bury tall eggplant stems very deep, just like tomatoes, because they can reach heights of 6 ft (1.8m). You can still prune the leaves and bury the stem a little, but even if you don’t, the eggplant will send deep roots to support itself.

Do you need to stake eggplants?

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.

What temperature do eggplant seeds germinate?

Germination temperature: 60 F to 95 F – Germinates best between 80 F and 90 F. Days to emergence: 7 to 10 – At 85 F. Seed can be saved 4 years.

Do eggplants need full sun?

S. melongena thrives in full sun, with a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day, and fertile, well draining soil with a pH between 5.5-7.2. As members of the Solanaceae family, along with peppers and tomatoes, it’s no surprise that eggplants prefer hot weather.

How do you start growing eggplant?

Soak seeds overnight to encourage germination; sow them ¼ inch deep in a loose, fine medium, such as vermiculite. Use bottom heat to maintain a soil temperature of 80 to 90 degrees for the eight to 10 days required for sprouting. Transplant seedlings to individual pots once they reach 3 inches.

How long does it take eggplant to grow?

Eggplants are ready to harvest as soon as 70 days after sowing the seeds. Harvest fruits with skin that is glossy and thin. Eggplants can be harvested when they are small, though growing them longer allows for a larger harvest. Harvestable fruits should be firm and inside seeds should not be visible once cut open.

How deep should eggplant be planted?

Sow eggplant seed ¼ to ½ inch (12mm) deep spaced 4 to 5 inches (10-12cm) apart. Eggplant seeds germinate in about 5 to 6 days.