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Plant one eggplant per container, 2-gallon minimum. Fill the container with a high quality potting soil that will drain quickly. Add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting and then every few weeks during the season, especially when plants start to bloom. Water deeply and consistently, but don’t overwater.
What size container do I need for an eggplant?
Choose a large pot with a 5-gallon (18 L.) capacity. Growing eggplant in containers requires 12 to 14 inches (31-35 cm.) of space per plant or three plants can be placed in a 20 inch (50 cm.)Jun 29, 2021.
Do eggplants like 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 long does it take for eggplants 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.
Do eggplants grow well in containers?
Even if you garden in a small garden bed, or grow your vegetables in containers on the patio or balcony, you can grow eggplant. Plant one eggplant per container, 2-gallon minimum. Fill the container with a high quality potting soil that will drain quickly.
Do eggplants grow better in pots?
Eggplants have a good production when grown in dark metal or plastic pots, so the soil in which they are planted reach high temperatures.
Do eggplants need 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.
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 often should eggplant be watered?
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 month to plant eggplant?
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.
How many eggplants can 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.
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 be grown vertically?
Yes, vertical gardening with eggplants is indeed a possibility. The benefit to eggplant, or any veggie, is that it keeps the plant and resulting fruit off the ground and away from any pests that might want a snack, and lowers the chances of soil-borne diseases.
What fertilizer is best for eggplant?
A balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) is often recommended for eggplant. Feeding too much nitrogen at this point can result in large, leafy plants that fail to produce fruit.
How much sun does an eggplant need?
Eggplant Care Eggplants are sun lovers. Make sure they get at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days.
How long does it take for eggplant to grow after flowering?
How long does it take for eggplant to grow after flowering? Depending on the variety and the region in which you are gardening, different cultivars of eggplant will develop mature fruit within 50 to 80 days after flowering.
How do you fertilize eggplant in pots?
Until the plants start to flower use a balanced fertilizer with a 1-1-1 ratio such as 20-20-20 or 20-30-20. Once flowering starts switch to a high potassium blend such as 9-15-30 or any fertilizer with a 1-1.5-3 or 4 ratio. Most good tomato fertilizers fit the definition of high potassium.
Do eggplants grow back every year?
Although eggplant is a perennial, it is more commonly grown as an annual.
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.
