|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click on the button below to add us to your site.
|
|
How To Grow Eggplant
|
PLANT TYPE: Annual
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Solanum melongena var. esculentum
LIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL TYPE: Rich, well-drained, high organic matter
pH RANGE: 5.5 - 6.8
MOISTURE/WATERING: Keep moist, not waterlogged
MATURITY IN DAYS: 60 - 70
KNOWN PESTS: Colorado potato beetles
KNOWN DISEASES: N/A
|
OVERVIEW:
Eggplant is a member of the Solanaceae family which includes tomatoes, peppers,
ground cherries and potatoes.
Eggplant is very sensitive to cold weather and should be started indoors long before planting in the
garden. Eggplant require a long warm season for best yields.
Eggplant should be planted in full sun and requires ample water and fertile soil
with lots of organic matter. Eggplants are easily injured by frost and will not
do well with long periods of cool weather.
Eggplants are like tomatoes, except that eggplants like warmer conditions.
PROPAGATION / SOWING OF EGGPLANT:
Eggplant seeds must be started indoors 8-10 weeks prior to last frost. Sow seeds ¼” deep and
provide a soil temperature of 24-27°C (75-80°F). Even moisture is essential while the eggplant seed
is germinating. Germination is slow (up to 2 weeks). Gradually harden off seedlings, but do not
allow temperature to go below 15°C (60°F). Transplant 18” apart in beds or rows 20-30” apart.
COMPANION PLANTING OF EGGPLANT:
Bush bean, pea, pepper, potato
CARE & GROWING OF EGGPLANT:
Heat loving eggplant require a full sun and sheltered area. Black paper or plastic mulch will help
draw heat to the soil and encourage an early maturity. It will also help to conserve moisture and
keep weeds down. Eggplants are moderate feeders and do well in very fertile soil with a pH level
of 5.5 to 6.8. Apply compost and well rotted manure along with bonemeal.
HARVESTING OF EGGPLANT:
Harvest eggplant anytime after the fruit reaches half of their size. Harvesting eggplant early prevents fruit from
becoming too seedy and will encourage more production and eggplant yield.
EGGPLANT PESTS & DISEASES:
Colorado potato beetles love eggplant, even more so than potatoes and they can cause serious
damage to this eggplants. Rotenone dust and/or hand picking insects and egg masses
(orange masses on the under sides of the leaves) will keep damage to eggplants to a minimum.
USA Gardener uses Veseys seeds.
Vegetables listed on this page can be purchased at Veseys Seeds & Bulbs
|
|
|
