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.
Do eggplant plants climb?
Does eggplant grow upright or is it supposed to fall into a vine and grow on the ground? It grows upright on a shrubby plant , but the fruit can get so heavy that it pulls the plant down. Use a plant stake or cage to hold the plants upright.
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 support eggplant?
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 high do eggplants grow?
Whether you plant them in the vegetable garden or perennial garden, give eggplants plenty of space to mature. Plants can grow 2 to 4 feet tall and wide , which means they need to be staked.
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.
Does eggplant 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.
Do eggplants need pruning?
With adequate protection from frost, however, eggplants will grow for several years. This means they can get very large, and sometimes more than a little leggy or worn out. To ensure a strong plant and maximum fruit production, eggplant pruning is a good idea in the long term .
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 much space do eggplants need?
Space eggplants 18 inches apart , in rows 30 to 36 inches apart.
How often should eggplant be watered?
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.
How long does it take for eggplant to grow from flower?
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.
How deep do eggplant roots go?
Keep the root zone moist throughout the growing season. Eggplants roots reach about 2 feet deep and plants should not be subjected to water stress. Stress during the bloom can cause substantial reduction in fruit set. Keep adequate moisture in the deeper soil layers even when plants are small.
What should you not plant with 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 plants well with eggplant?
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. Again, be sure not to shade the eggplant. Potatoes and spinach are also said to make great companion plantings too.
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.
