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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.
Is it too late to plant eggplant?
Or… “Can I still plant vegetables in the garden in late June?” The answer to the first questions is no, it’s not too late. Tomato, eggplant, and pepper plants can be put into the ground at the end of June; once the temperatures warm up in July these plants will take off and grow quickly.
How many eggplants do you get per plant?
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.
How long does eggplant take 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.
Can you plant eggplant in July?
Zones 8 to 10 Vegetables that are late to mature in cooler climates do fine down south when sown in July. Lucky gardeners in this general region can plant nightshades, like peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant, and pick their ripe fruit from the vine into early winter.
Do eggplants grow back every year?
Although eggplant is a perennial, it is more commonly grown as an annual.
Do you need a trellis for eggplant?
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.
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.
Is eggplant hard 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.
What can I plant near 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 often should I water my eggplant plant?
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.
Will eggplant survive the winter?
Question: Will my eggplant plant continue to produce through the fall and winter? Answer: They are warm season vegetables so they slow down considerably as temperatures drop. Although eggplants will keep growing and flowering, they are more productive if cut back and allowed to regrow during late summer.
Can you plant eggplant deep like tomatoes?
You can bury tall eggplant stems very deep, just like tomatoes, because they can reach heights of 6 ft (1.8m). When you’re burying the eggplant’s stem, it will shoot new root growth from the stem nodes. If you’re growing a bush eggplant variety, keep in mind that it will only grow to 24 inches (60 cm).
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.
How do you care for eggplant plants?
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.
How long do eggplants last?
Eggplants do not store well for long periods of time. Without refrigeration, eggplants can be stored in a cool, dry place for 1 or 2 days. If you don’t intend to eat the eggplant within 2 days, it should be refrigerated.
How do you fertilize eggplant?
Reapply the pelleted fertilizer after 10-12 weeks. Fertilize weekly with a soluble fertilizer. 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.
Can eggplant survive 40 degrees?
Answer: Don’t blame yourself. Eggplant is a heat-loving vegetable that does best in temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures inhibit pollination and fruit-set; at 50 degrees, the flowers will drop.
Can eggplant be grown indoors?
Eggplants are self-pollinating, but they rely upon the wind and insect activity to move pollen to flowers. With a bit of extra work, growing eggplants inside is possible, and you can expect some fruit with good care.
How do I protect my eggplant in the winter?
To keep warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant from succumbing to a frost, try these methods: Plant after danger of frost has passed. Time seed starting so that plants get set up at the right time. Use a floating row cover. Try the Wall-O-Water.
Do eggplants need a tomato cage?
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 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 a lot of sun?
Eggplant Care Eggplants are sun lovers. Make sure they get at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days.
