Eggplant . Funny frame , but seriously underrated . If you ’ve never had one , fancy this : a veggie that ’s as various as a chameleon , blending into every dish from savory stews to crispy fries . Smooth , meaty , and just the correct amount of bitter to keep your appreciation bud on their toes , eggplants are hand - down one of my favorite vegetable to grow . And fillip — it’shealthy !
They thrive in the lovingness , with the best crop coming in tardy summer to early fall . These tough male child are low - upkeep too — just a little water and sunlight , and they ’re good to go . But , like any diva , they do prefer a little distance to stretch their roots , so container growing ? Not the best theme .
And just like a plant with high standards , they do revalue a little pampering at the start — fertilizer , consistent watering , and maybe a motivational pep public lecture for the first few month . But once they ’re settled ? They ’re unstoppable .
As for the plant itself ? arresting . Big , glossy leave that can make any garden find like a tropical paradise , plus they ’re a fantastical conversation starter . So , whether you ’re into grilling , baking , or frying , aubergine ’s your new well friend .
How to Grow Eggplants
Growing eggplant bush offer a smorgasbord of benefits , both in price of culinary enjoyment and garden productiveness .
Planting Eggplants
Growing Eggplants
Harvesting Eggplants
Common Problems and Solutions
Eggplants Growing Zone
garden egg ( Solanum melongena ) are warm - time of year vegetable that prosper in USDA hardiness zona 4 through 12 .
However , they perform best in zones 7 through 10 , where the growing time of year is farseeing and temperatures stay consistently warm .
In cool zona ( 4 - 6 ) , eggplants can still be grow , but they may need to be started indoors or in a nursery and then graft outside after the last Robert Lee Frost when the soil has warmed up .
Growing Eggplants FAQ
Solanum melongena can be a turn challenging to spring up , specially for tyro , as they need specific atmospheric condition to thrive . They need a long , warm rise time of year with logical temperature between 70 ° F and 85 ° F . Eggplants are sensitive to frigidness and wo n’t originate well if temperatures drop too low .
Sow the seeds in a well - enfeeble cum - starting mix , report them lightly with soil . Keep the soil systematically moist and maintain a warm temperature of around 70 - 85 ° F ( 21 - 29 ° C ) to encourage sprouting , which commonly takes 7 - 14 days .
practice a large container ( at least 5 gallons ) with honorable drainage , and check that the plant sire sight of sun and regular watering .
On average , each eggplant flora can produce between 4 to 8 fruits per works , depending on the variety , growing conditions , and tutelage render .
Eggplants maturate in warm climates and are typically cultivated in region with long , hot turn seasons . They thrive in well - drained soil that is deep in constituent matter , and they require full sun for optimal maturation . Eggplants are usually grown in garden , fields , or greenhouse , and are particularly popular in Mediterranean , Asian , and Middle Eastern commonwealth .
Eggplants are technically perennial plant , meaning they can live and produce fruit for multiple years in their native tropical and semitropical climate . However , in most regions where they are grown , eggplants are treat as annuals . This is because they are sensitive to frost and cold-blooded temperatures , which can kill the plants . In temperate clime , gardener typically replant eggplants each year .
Water eggplants deeply once a week , or more often during hot , dry conditions . Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged .
Plant eggplants out of doors after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 50 ° F ( 10 ° blow ) . In cold climates , you may start up source indoors 8 - 10 weeks before the last frost particular date .
Use stake or cages to support eggplant flora as they grow , peculiarly for larger varieties . This helps keep the plant upright and forbid the yield from touching the ground .
Eggplants are ready to glean when they have glossy skin and are unshakable to the touch . Depending on the sort , this can be anywhere from 70 to 85 days after planting .
