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.
How do you make eggplant grow faster?
Start seeds late
Thanks to their broad leaves, eggplant seedlings grow quickly, gaining size faster than tomatoes or peppers. If you have a long, warm growing season and use a split season planting plan, you can start seeds in midsummer for a fall crop.
How long does it take for eggplant to grow?
Harvest eggplant 65 to 80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety. When starting from seed, expect
100 to 120 days
to maturity. July, August, and September (even into October) are all harvest months for eggplant, depending on where you live and the variety you planted. Don’t wait too long to harvest!
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
.
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.
What is the best fertilizer for eggplant?
A balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)
is often recommended for eggplant. Feeding too much nitrogen at this point can result in large, leafy plants that fail to produce fruit.
How do I get my eggplant to produce more fruit?
If you have poor fruit set,
hand-pollinate the flowers
to help increase production. Use an electric toothbrush to vibrate to flower stems (not the flowers themselves) for a few seconds each to help the pollen move within the flowers. 9. The more frequently the fruits are harvested, the greater the fruit set.
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.
How long does it take for eggplant to bear fruit?
Eggplants require
100 to 120 days
to reach maturity from seed, but choosing a faster-maturing variety and establishing optimal growing conditions can bring fresh, ripe eggplants more quickly from your garden to your table.
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.
Why is my eggplant not fruiting?
When an eggplant plant is stressed, its blossoms will dry up and drop off
without producing fruit. The most common reason a eggplant gets stressed is due to a lack of water. Your eggplant needs at least 2 inches (5 cm.) of water a week, more in very hot weather.
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
.
What does an overwatered eggplant look like?
An overwatered eggplant will also show symptoms of this problem on its leaves. Look for
leaves that feel wet, soft, and limp
. More symptoms of overwatering include premature leaf drop of new growth and soft, brown, or mushy roots that prevent the plant from taking water, causing leaf curl and wilting.
What is the best time to water eggplants?
The best time to water your eggplants is in
the early morning or in the evening
, when temperatures are cool and evaporation rates are relatively low. Early morning is slightly preferable because daylight can evaporate water from wet leaves, preventing fungus.
Can you overwater eggplant?
Eggplants suffering from
over
-watering and drought eventually die. Over-watered eggplant roots rot, which prevents plants from taking up water and causes wilting. Under-watered plants also wilt, grow poorly and develop pithy fruits.
