Table of Contents
How long does it take to grow eggplant from seed?
But natural light may need help in the North. 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.
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.
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.
Is eggplant 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.
Do eggplants need a lot of sun?
Eggplant Care Eggplants are sun lovers. Make sure they get at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days.
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.
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.
Can you direct sow eggplant?
Direct sowing of eggplant Place 2 to 3 seeds in the ridges at 20 inch (50 cm) intervals. Cover with light soil. Water regularly. Once sprouted, keep the sprout that is the most vigorous in every seed hole.
Can I just put seeds in soil?
Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. Planting seeds this way is called direct sowing, and it is an easy process that yields great results. Even so, many vegetables, annuals, herbs and perennials sprout easily from seed sown directly into garden soil.
What is the best way to plant eggplant?
Eggplants grow into tall, angular plants, so they should be spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. Improve planting holes by mixing in 2 inches of compost to help hold moisture and fertilizer in the soil. Set plants at the same depth at which they are growing in their containers, and water well before spreading mulch.
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.
How much water do eggplants need?
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.
Does eggplant need trellis?
Yes, it’s wise to create a support for eggplants. Staking eggplant keeps the fruit from touching the ground, which in turn, reduces the risk of disease and fosters fruit shape, especially for elongated eggplant varieties. Staking eggplant also makes for easier harvesting.
How many eggplants will one plant produce?
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.
Can eggplant grow in shade?
Growing eggplants outdoors requires full sun. Try planting them on a south-facing area of your yard once they are larger than 3 inches. Ample sunlight provides the energy needed for large fruit production through photosynthesis.
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 you grow eggplant in part shade?
As a basic rule of thumb, vegetables grown for their fruit or roots—such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, potatoes, or carrots—require full sun, which is defined as a garden location that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. Keep in mind, though, that no vegetable can thrive in deep, dense shade.
Does eggplant come back every year?
Although eggplant is a perennial, it is more commonly grown as an annual.
How long does it take to grow an eggplant?
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.
Can you grow aubergines in pots?
Aubergines are 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. This is a good time to install stakes to keep the plants from falling over as they load up with fruits.
How much space do you need to grow eggplant?
Space eggplants 18 inches apart, in rows 30 to 36 inches apart.
How do you take care of eggplant seedlings?
Water regularly, especially when the plants are young so that they develop deep roots. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, but consider using mulch to keep soil moist, warm, and to keep weeds down. Generally, eggplants should get an inch (2.5 cm.) of rain or watering per week.
