Table of Contents
Can you plant eggplant seeds directly in the ground?
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.
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 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.
What month do you plant eggplant seeds?
Eggplant seed planting should occur four to six weeks before your last frost date. Although eggplant seeds are tiny, sow the seeds about ¼-inch (6 mm.) deep with good quality potting soil in flats or cell containers.
Can you put seeds straight into soil?
Planting seeds this way is called direct sowing, and it is an easy process that yields great results. Unlike indoor seed starting, direct sowing involves unpredictable elements: weather, wildlife and insects. Even so, many vegetables, annuals, herbs and perennials sprout easily from seed sown directly into garden soil.
How do you make eggplant grow faster?
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.
Which seeds should be soaked before planting?
A short list of seeds that like to soak are peas, beans, pumpkins and other winter squash, chard, beets, sunflower, lupine, fava beans, and cucumbers. Most other medium-to-large vegetable and flower seeds with thick coats benefit from soaking.
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.
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.
What is the best fertilizer 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.
What do you plant after eggplant?
Additional Eggplant Companions Peppers, both sweet and hot, make good companion plants, as they have the same growing needs and are susceptible to the same pests and diseases. Tomatoes are often used as eggplant companions. Potatoes and spinach are also said to make great companion plantings too.
How long does eggplant plant last?
How long does eggplant last? Counter Cold pantry Eggplant (Whole) last for 4-5 Days 2-3 Weeks Eggplant (Cut) last for 30 minutes, after that it will start getting brown 3-4 Days.
How many seeds are in a eggplant hole?
Simple plant one seed per hole, pushing each seed down a good inch. Cover the seed loosely with the soil, keep moist, and keep near a sunny window. When planting seedlings, choose plants that are 4 inches in height.
Is it better to plant seeds in the morning or evening?
Planting in the morning may be best. “In the morning sow thy seed,” according to Ecclesiastes, and it is not bad advice for gardeners. Morning planting offers a seed more of what it needs to germinate and fewer dangers.
How deep should you plant seeds?
The rule of thumb is to plant seeds at a depth equal to two or three times their width. It is better to plant seeds too shallow than too deep. Some seeds, such as certain Lettuces or Snapdragon, need light to germinate and should not be covered at all.
How long after planting a seed will it sprout?
Some seeds take two weeks or more to sprout. Poor germination can be caused by overly wet or cold soil, which causes seeds to rot. (The latter can be remedied with a Heat Mat.) If the soil was too dry, the seeds may not have been able to absorb enough moisture to sprout.
Should I water seeds after planting?
Until seeds have sprouted, keep the seed bed moist, never allowing it to dry out. Water with a fine-spray hose nozzle or watering can which will provide a fine misty spray and not wash away the soil. Water often enough (usually about once a day) so that the soil surface never dries out, but remains constantly moist.
Do you need to water seeds after planting?
Yes, seeds normally need to be watered at least once per day to keep the soil moist, not permitting it to dry out. In especially warm climates (or depending on your soil or garden setup), you may need to water more than once per day. Check on your seeds or seedlings frequently to make sure they have plenty of water.
How do you prepare the ground for sowing seeds?
Preparing the soil Two to three weeks prior to sowing your seeds it’s time to prepare the garden beds. Remove any weeds, rocks or debris. Scatter general-purpose fertiliser over the soil and add some organic matter such as compost and rake it into the soil.
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.
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.
Do eggplants need support?
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.
Where is the best place to plant eggplant?
Choose a very sunny spot for the best results. Eggplant grows best in a well-drained sandy loam or loam soil, fairly high in organic matter. Soil pH should be between 5.8 and 6.5 for best growth. Use a covering of black plastic mulch to warm soils before setting out transplants.
Can eggplants grow in pots?
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.
