Eggplants are chemelons of the vegetables world. Eggplants, scientifically known as Solanum melongena, belong to the nightshade family, along with tomatoes and potatoes and peppers.Originating from India over 2,000 years ago, eggplants have since made their way across the globe and are now enjoyed in various cuisines worldwide. These versatile vegetables are known by various names asuch as aubergine in Europe and brinjal in some Asian countries.
They are packed of a nutritional punch, containing fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants that contribute to overall health. Eggplants are technically a fruit but are often used as a vegetable in cooking. They can be grilled, roasted, fried, or baked to create delicious dishes like Baba ganoush or Ratatouille. When choosing eggplants at the grocery store or farmers market, look for ones that are firm to the touch and have smooth skin without any blemishes.
To reduce bitterness before cooking, it’s recommended to salt eggplant slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing off the excess salt.With its vibrant purple skin and unique shape,having an eggplant on hand opens up a world of culinary possibilities for any food enthusiast.Some some varieties of eggplants include:
- Globe Eggplants ( the most common type )
- Italian Eggplants
- Japenese Eggplants
- Chinese Eggplants
- Fairy Eggplants ( A small and round variety)
HOW TO CARE EGGPLANTS
Eggplants thrive in warm weather and prefer to be planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed and can continue to produce fruit until fall.While eggplants require a bit of attention and care, they are relatively easy to grow for experienced gardeners and beginners alike.They can be grown directly in the ground when temperature has reached 70 degree Fahrenheit.
These plants are also well-suited for containers and pots, making them a versatile option for urban gardening or limited spaces.They are also best option to grow in raised beds.Raised beds offer the ability to control the soil quality more easily, leading to healthier plants with higher yields. It also offers better drainage and prevent waterlogging issues that can harm eggplant roots. However, if your existing soil is already nutrient-rich and well-draining, planting eggplants directly in the ground can still yield successful results with proper care.Lets find out its growing requirements in which it grows best and must not be ignored.
Sunlight Requirements
They are heat loving plants that love to soak the sunlight as possible. It is one of its main growing requirements.Always choose a sunny spot that receives full day sunlight of 6 to 8 hours daily. Avoid planting them in shady sites,as this can negatively impact their growth .Sunlight helps the fruit ripe faster.
Soil Requirements
Quality of soil also plays a crucial role in its development. Soil should be well draining. Loamy soil, rich in organic matter, is ideal for eggplant cultivation as it provides adequate nutrients and moisture retention. Consider amending the soil with compost or aged manure before planting eggplants. Sandy or clay soils should be avoided as they can lead to poor drainage and hinder root development. Soil pH should be acidic between 5.5 and 6.5. Avoid planting eggplants in areas where other nightshade family plants, such as tomatoes or peppers, have recently grown to prevent potential disease transmission.
Water Requirements
They need a lot of water to thrive. Water frequently, especially when the plants are young.Young plants need consistent moisture to grow. They can tolerate dry spells for some time when established. But it’s better not to let them dry for a longer period. Water deeply twice a week but never them to sit in water for a longer period. They can be susceptible to root rot if subject to waterlogged conditions.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Eggplants thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and above 60 degrees at night. They can not tolerate extreme heat above 90 degrees or sudden drops below 50 degrees, as this can stunt their growth and lead to poor fruit development.They do best in moderately humid environments around 60-70%. High humidity levels can invite diseases like powdery mildew, while low humidity can hinder pollination and fruit set. To maintain ideal humidity levels for eggplants, consider using mulch to retain moisture in the soil and regular watering practices to keep the plant hydrated without causing waterlogged conditions.
Fertilizer Requirements
They need fertilizer twice a year to grow successfully. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are crucial for their development, with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer being ideal. During transplanting, incorporate organic matter like compost or aged manure to boost soil fertility. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization once the plants start flowering to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.Signs of nutrient deficiencies in eggplants can manifest as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. To rectify this, consider foliar sprays containing micronutrients like iron or magnesium as a quick fix. Over-fertilization with high-nitrogen fertilizers can lead to leaf burn and detrimental effects on overall plant health.
Potting and Reporting
When growing eggplants in pots, choosing the right container is essential for their success. For a single eggplant plant, a container that is at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide should suffice. However, for multiple plants, consider using a larger container with a depth of at least 18 inches to allow ample space for root growth and airflow.Also,make sure the pot is dark coloured to absorb maximum light and drainage holes at the bottom to prevent root rot.
When potting eggplants, make sure to use well-draining soil mix enriched with compost for optimal growth. Place the containers in a sunny location where they can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
HOW TO PROPAGATE EGGPLANTS
Propagating eggplants by cutting is an efficient way to produce new plants quickly and easily.It also takes less time than growing from seeds.
Step 1: To propagate eggplants by cutting, get a healthy and mature eggplant stem for cutting.
Step 2: Cut the stem at an angle just below a node with a sharp knife. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent rotting in water.
Step 3: Place the cut end of the eggplant cutting in a jar of fresh water, ensuring that at least one node is submerged.Make sure to change the water every couple of days to prevent any bacterial growth.
Step 4: Roots should begin to grow from the nodes within 1-2 weeks when propagated by cutting in water. Once roots have grown to about 2-3 inches long, you can transplant the cutting into soil for further growth and development.
HOW TO GROW EGGPLANTS FROM SEEDS
Step 1: Get high-quality eggplant seeds from a reputable supplier to ensure successful germination. Look for varieties that are well-suited for your climate and desired size of eggplant.
Step 2: Start your eggplant seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Use seed trays or small pots filled with well-draining potting soil.
Step 3: Plant the seeds about ΒΌ inch deep and space them about 2 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Step 4:Cover the trays with a plastic cover to help retain moisture and create a greenhouse effect.
Step 5:Remove the plastic cover once the seedlings have sprouted.Consider using a grow light or placing them in a sunny, south-facing window.
Step 6 :If they have developed their first set of true leaves, it’s time to transplant them into larger containers or directly into the garden. Remember to harden off seedlings before planting them outside to ensure they adjust well to their new environment.
Common Pets and Plant Diseases
Flea beetles aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies that you will often find around your eggplant trees.These tiny insects can really disturb your plant’s growth while creating a lace-like pattern ,sucking the sap and making pinholes in leaves. At the end, your plant’s leaves start turning yellow and finally start dropping. To prevent these pests, consider using row covers to protect your plants or applying insecticidal soap as a natural remedy.Regularly spraying your plants with a strong jet of water can help deter them.
Verticillium wilt and bacterial wilt are two devastating diseases that affect eggplants worldwide. Verticillium wilt is caused by soil-borne fungi that block the vascular system of the plant, leading to wilting of leaves and stunted growth. Bacterial wilt is caused by Ralstonia solanacearum bacteria, which infects through wounds in roots or stems, resulting in sudden wilting of entire branches. To prevent these diseases, rotate crop planting locations each season and avoid planting in soil where infected plants once grew. Proper irrigation techniques can also help reduce the risk of verticillium wilt transmission among your eggplant crops.
WHEN TO HARVEST EGGPLANTS
Fruits are typically ready to pick by midsummer. Harvest eggplants 65 to 80 days after transplanting seedlings outdoors or 100 to 120 days after starting plants from seeds.Harvest when they are firm and glossy and big enough to eat-about one third of their maximum size. Eggplants should be fully sized when you harvest (unless you are going for baby eggplants,which can be harvested when they are as small as 3 inches long.Other signs of ripeness include shinny skin and consistent coloring.
HOW TO HARVEST EGGPLANTS
Use sharp scissors or garden shears to harvest fruits rather than twisting the fruits off the plants, which can damage productivity.Make the cut an inch or so up the stem from the calyx (the little green cap at the end ),and leave the calyx intact on each fruit. Some eggplant varieties have sharp thorns on their leaves,stem, and calyx ,so it’s a good idea to wear gardening gloves for this task