Put 2-3 seeds in each small pot and cover with 1⁄4 inch of seed-starting mix. Eggplants love warm temperatures. A room temperature of at least 72oF is ideal for starting seeds. Seeds will germinate and begin to grow about 7-10 days later.
How tall do Patio baby eggplants get?
Patio Baby is a 2014 All-America Selections Regional Winner (Northeast) with deep purple, egg-shaped fruits that are 2-3 inches long and mature in about 50 days from setting out. The F1 hybrid plants themselves are compact, topping out at 24 inches tall .
How do you grow mini eggplants?
Light requirements: Full sun for best yields. Planting: Space 24 to 36 inches apart . Soil requirements: Eggplants need well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Amend soil with 3 to 5 inches of compost or other organic matter prior to planting.
Can I grow eggplant in container?
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.
Does eggplant need to climb?
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.
How do you know when mini eggplants are ready to pick?
Harvesting: Pick when skin is glossy ; dull fruit indicates over-ripeness. Both under-and over-ripe fruit tastes bitter. Pick white eggplants before skin turns yellow. Use pruning shears or a sharp knife to cut eggplants, keeping a short stub of stem attached.
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 .
What should you not plant next to eggplant?
Do not plant eggplants near fennel . Fennel – Not a companion for any garden food plant, fennel will actually inhibit growth in bush beans, kohlrabi, tomatoes, and others.
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 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.
Do eggplants need a tomato cage?
Eggplants are prone to falling over when loaded with fruit, so you may want to tie plants to stakes to keep them upright. ... You can also use small tomato cages to support the plants .
Can eggplant and tomatoes be planted together?
Q: Can I plant tomatoes and eggplant together? A: Yes ! Tomatoes and eggplant are both members of the nightshade family and have similar growing requirements. Just be sure to give them both plenty of room, and lots of compost or organic matter.
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.
Can you pick small eggplants?
You cannot harvest eggplants too early . Baby eggplants are a delight to eat. But you can leave them too long. Eggplant should be harvested when they are one-third to two-thirds full mature size.
How long does it take for eggplant to grow after flowering?
How long does it take for eggplant to grow after flowering? Depending on the variety and the region in which you are gardening, different cultivars of eggplant will develop mature fruit within 50 to 80 days after flowering.
Why are my eggplants small?
Why are my plants so small and growing slowly? Eggplants are sensitive to the cold . Either a transplant has been planted into cold soil, or a young plant has experienced cold weather, or a transplant that became root bound before being planted may be stunted for a short while or for the full growing season.
