The plant is in the same Solanaceae family as tomatoes and peppers, so it may grow from year to year , depending on the climate.
What month do you plant eggplant?
- Start seeds indoors in flats or peat pots 8–9 weeks prior to the last spring frost date. Seeds germinate quickly at temperatures between 70 to 90°F. ...
- Do not plant eggplant transplants into the garden until after the last threat of frost.
- If purchasing transplants: Buy high-quality specimens.
Can I grow eggplant in 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.
What is the best weather for eggplant?
It thrives in full sun and requires at least five months of warm weather for fruit production. The optimum daytime growing temperature ranges between 70°F and 85°F. When temperatures rise above 95°F, eggplant ceases to set fruit and may drop flowers or abort immature fruit.
What should you not plant next to eggplant?
When planting catnip with eggplant, be sure to avoid planting it by peas and green beans, since catnip negatively affects their growth and development. Mints like peppermint and spearmint are both good companion plant types to plant around eggplants because they reduce the numbers of flea beetles.
What can I plant next to eggplant?
Eggplant – A good companion for amaranth, beans, marigolds, peas, peppers, spinach, and thyme . Do not plant eggplants near fennel.
What do you do with eggplant in 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.
Do eggplants like full sun?
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.
What is the lowest temperature eggplant can tolerate?
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 I grow eggplant next to tomatoes?
Tomatoes are often used as eggplant companions. Again, be sure not to shade the eggplant. Potatoes and spinach are also said to make great companion plantings too.
Is eggplant coming back next year?
With proper pruning and feeding, eggplant can be grown as a perennial , though gardeners should be prepared for harvests to decline eventually.
Can I plant eggplant next to cucumbers?
If you want to plant both cucumbers and potatoes in your garden, plant them far away from one another . (Other members of the nightshade family, like tomato plants and eggplants, are fine to plant with cucumbers.)
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.
Where should I plant eggplant in my garden?
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.
Does eggplant need a trellis?
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.
How do you store eggplant for the winter?
Cut the eggplant into approximately one-inch-thick rounds, bake in a 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the eggplant, just until tender. Once cool, place the slices between wax paper to prevent sticking, and store in freezer bags or containers .
