Table of Contents
How do you prepare the soil for eggplant?
Soil preparation Eggplant prefers well-drained, fertile, sandy loam soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.2. Remove all weeds and till the soil to loosen it to a depth of 6 to 10 inches. The higher the organic matter content of the soil the better, so incorporate a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost if possible.
How long does it take for eggplant to grow 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.
Should eggplant seeds be soaked 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.
What is 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.
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.
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.
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. Keep indoor nighttime temperature above 62°F (17°C).
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.
How many days does it take to grow 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. Harvestable fruits should be firm and inside seeds should not be visible once cut open.
How do you make eggplant grow faster?
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.
Can I direct sow eggplant?
Direct sowing of eggplant It is possible to sow directly in the plot if the risk of freezing is over, because eggplants are vulnerable to the cold. If you are in colder zones, wait for mid-May, but you can anticipate that if you are in milder climates. Dig ridges 20 inches (50 cm) apart.
How do you grow eggplant at home?
Start eggplant seeds about eight weeks before planting outside. Plant seeds one-fourth inch deep, in flats containing sterile, soilless germination mix. Use a heating mat to keep the flat at 75°F to 85°F until seedlings emerge. Carefully monitor potting mix moisture, as heating mats will dry the mix out faster.
What is the best natural fertilizer for eggplant?
Start by working lots of compost into the soil, plus 2 to 3 pounds of a complete fertilizer like 15-5-10 per 100 sq. ft. If you prefer, use an organic fertilizer like blood meal, well-rotted manure, cottonseed meal or bat guano. Burpee’s Big Boy Tomato Food is also super for eggplants.
How do I keep my eggplant plant healthy?
Choose an area with abundant sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil. Improve native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. Keep soil moist but not soggy—soaker hoses are a great option. Keep your plants fed by feeding them regularly with a continuous-release plant food.
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.
