How to Raise Eggplant
Eggplants are a oblong-shaped purple fruit that require an average of 60 days to mature into fruit. They are easy to grow in warm climates and delicious cooked alone, or without other ingredients. There are many types of eggplant, with different fruit types and maturation periods. Popular varieties include the Classic, Dusky, Epic, Black Bell, Black Magic, Burpee Hybrid, Ghostbuster, Ichiban, Slim Jim and Little Fingers. The Classic is a high-quality fruit, while he Black Bell is a highly productive variety. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Eggplant seeds
- Soil
- Transplant cells
- Water
- Starter fertilizer
- Nitrogen enriched fertilizer
- Knife or pruning shears
Instructions
-
-
1
Start seeds in transplant cells to germinate. Seedlings should be transplanted outside once the soil has warmed and after any risk of frost has disappeared. Eggplant seeds are extremely susceptible to cold and should not be planted when the soil is cold.
-
2
Plant the seeds outside in fertilized soil. Plants should be spaced 18-24 inches apart and in rows that are 36 inches apart. Fertilize the soil with start-up fertilizer and water once the seedlings are planted. They should be planted in a sunny, warm location.
-
-
3
Fertilize with nitrogen fertilizer once plants are half grown, and then again after the first harvest of fruits. Maintain the moisture level in the soil to facilitate growth. Fruit should be harvested during the hottest part of the summer.
-
4
Harvest the plants when the skin is firm and glossy, and plants are between 6 and 8 inches. The fruit is ready when you push your thumb into it gently and it bounces back. Use a knife or pruning shears to separate the fruit instead of breaking off the stem. Eggplants bruise very easily, so be careful not to drop the fruit or squeeze it too hard. Once plants have become dull and brown it is too late to harvest and they should be discarded.
-
5
Eggplants can be sauteed, baked, grilled or steamed. Eggplant is very spongy and absorbs a lot of oil when cooked, so some cooks press out the water and air pockets before cooking. The best way to preserve eggplant is freezing, as it cannot be canned or preserved.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Flea beetles can be a problem for egg plants. Apply pesticides to kill the beetles and maintain the integrity of the fruit.
