Native to Asia, this tender annual requires full sun, well-draining, slightly acidic, fertile soil and a long growing season. There’s no particular eggplant seed preparation necessary prior to sowing. Eggplant seeds germinate at temps between 60-95 degrees F.
How long does it take to grow eggplant 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.
Are eggplants hard to grow?
Ben Vanheems has covered growing eggplant in
cooler climates
, but even if you have plenty of heat, eggplant can be a tricky crop. After growing eggplant in several different places, I have learned five valuable tips worth sharing.
Is eggplant easy to grow from seed?
Kerry Michaels is a writer and photographer with several years specializing in gardening and landscape design. Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
is easy to grow
, and some varieties are so beautiful they can be used as ornamentals.
Does eggplant take a long time to grow?
Transplants should be planted deep enough to cover over the root system. Add compost to the soil before planting and an organic fertilizer after planting. Water the eggplant at least one inch a week, watering less rather than more frequently. Eggplants take time to grow, typically
between 80 and 90 days from seed
.
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.
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
.
Should I soak eggplant seeds 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.
Do eggplants need 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.
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. … Eggplants prefer a pH range of 5.5 to 6.8.
What is the best month to plant eggplant?
June
is the month to plant eggplants in the garden.
Do eggplants grow back every year?
Although eggplant is a perennial, it is
more commonly grown as an annual
.
How long do Eggplants take to fruit?
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.
What is a good companion plant for eggplant?
Nightshades
: Other members of the nightshade family, like tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes, make good companions for eggplants because they share similar growing requirements. Broccoli: Eggplants are heavy feeders that require proper nutrients to set and produce fruit.
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.
How much space do eggplants need to grow?
Space eggplants
18 inches apart
, in rows 30 to 36 inches apart.
