How to Grow Ichiban Eggplants

MATURE ICHIBAN EGGPLANT

The Ichiban or Japanese variety of eggplant differs from the regular eggplant only in its size and shape. Regular eggplants are, after all, egg shaped. Ichiban eggplants are long and slender. At maturity, these eggplants are between 10 inches and one foot long, depending upon the variety. Eggplants, though delicate, are moderately easy to grow once you have a little knowledge under your belt. Read below to find out how to grow the best Ichiban eggplants on the block.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Seeds or Transplants
• Fertilizer
• Stakes
• Soil Amendments (as needed)

1. Plant the Ichiban eggplans in a warm spot. Eggplants, with their thin and delicate skins, will not tolerate any cold at all. Even the slightest frost may kill your crop. For this reason, plant the seeds only in the warmest climates during the spring time. In other climates, it is best to start from transplants once temperatures are in the 70's.

2. Space the plants about 2 or 3 feet apart in rows that are spaced about 2 feet apart. Soil should be loose, full of nutrients and drained well. For those that have poorly draining compact soil or a heavy ratio of clay soil, the best amendment is silica sand. Silica sand will help improve the soil's drainage properties without upsetting its Ph--a crucial factor in growing a healthy eggplant. Eggplants need full sun to reach their potential. Keep that in mind when digging the garden.

3. Feed new transplants every four to six weeks. The first application of fertilizer should be a good liquid 20-20-20 mix. After that, you can use 10-10-10 in dry form. Eggplants are heavy drinkers. Be sure to check the soil often to ensure it retains even moisture.

4. Keep weeds at bay. Watch out for white flies, aphids and flea beetles. All can do serious damage to your plants if left unchecked, but these pests are pretty easy to control if you are attentive. Flea beetles, in particular, are a common problem for young plants. Once they get a bit older, the leaf damage will not hurt them. Use row covers for protection until then. Since eggplant shrubs may grow to heights in excess of three feet and because the fruits are quite heavy, it is a good idea to stake them.

5. Decide what kind of eggplants you like best. Left alone, plants will produce many small fruits. If harvesting bigger specimens is your goal, you will need to pinch out some buds and terminal growth. The result should be between three and six fruits per plant. The time between planting and harvest can vary, but usually it will take about two months before the eggplants are ready to be eaten.

6. Pick your eggplant when it has developed color but before it has lost its shine. Use a knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the plant. Leave about an inch of stem.

7. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that your climate is warm enough. Seek advice from a nursery if you are in doubt.

• Don't try planting eggplant if you don't have the time to take care of it properly.