SCIENTIFIC NAME: Solanum melongena
LIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL TYPE: Rich, well-drained, high organic matter
pH RANGE: 5.5 - 6.8
MOISTURE/WATERING: Keep moist, not waterlogged
MATURITY IN DAYS: 60 - 70
KNOWN PESTS: Colorado potato beetles
OVERVIEW:
Eggplant is a member of the Solanaceae family which includes tomatoes, peppers, ground cherries and potatoes. Eggplant is very sensitive to cold weather and should be started indoors long before planting in the garden. Eggplant require a long warm season for best yields.
Eggplant should be planted in full sun and requires ample water and fertile soil with lots of organic matter. Eggplants are easily injured by frost and will not do well with long periods of cool weather. Eggplants are like tomatoes, except that eggplants like warmer conditions.
PROPAGATION / SOWING OF EGGPLANT:
Eggplant should be planted in full sun and requires ample water and fertile soil with lots of organic matter. Eggplants are easily injured by frost and will not do well with long periods of cool weather. Eggplants are like tomatoes, except that eggplants like warmer conditions.
PROPAGATION / SOWING OF EGGPLANT:
Eggplant seeds must be started indoors 8-10 weeks prior to last frost. Sow seeds ¼” deep and provide a soil temperature of 75-80°F. Even moisture is essential while the eggplant seed is germinating. Germination is slow (up to 2 weeks). Gradually harden off seedlings, but do not allow temperature to go below 60°F. One eggplant plant per square foot.
COMPANION PLANTING OF EGGPLANT:
Bush Bean, Pea, Pepper, Potato
CARE & GROWING OF EGGPLANT:
CARE & GROWING OF EGGPLANT:
Eggplant requires a full sun and sheltered area. Black paper or plastic mulch will help draw heat to the soil and encourage an early maturity. Eggplants are moderate feeders and do well in very fertile soil with a pH level of 5.5 to 6.8. Extra compost, well-rotted manure and bone-meal will help production.
HARVESTING OF EGGPLANT:
HARVESTING OF EGGPLANT:
Harvest eggplant anytime after the fruit reaches half of their size (as per seed instruction). Harvesting eggplant early prevent fruits from becoming too seedy and will encourage more production and eggplant yield.
EGGPLANT PESTS & DISEASES:
EGGPLANT PESTS & DISEASES:
Colorado potato beetles love eggplant, even more so than potatoes and they can cause serious damage to this eggplants. Rotenone dust and/or hand picking insects and egg masses (orange masses on the under sides of the leaves) will keep damage to eggplants to a minimum.
