Eggplants can only grow in warm soil—50 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The best time to plant eggplant is in late spring after the last threat of frost. Eggplants have a long growing season, so you’ll need to start them indoors around eight weeks before your region’s last frost date.
When can you plant eggplant in NJ?
Planting Dates for Spring
| Crop | Based on Frost Dates Based on Moon Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| Start Seeds Indoors | Start Seeds Outdoors | |
| Eggplants | Feb 10-24 Feb 10-16 | N/A |
| Green Beans | N/A | Apr 15-May 6 Apr 15-16, Apr 30-May 6 |
| Jalapeño Peppers | Jan 27-Feb 10 Feb 1-10 | N/A |
Does New Jersey grow eggplant?
The census lists New Jersey as harvesting 849 acres of eggplant annually, ahead of California’s 705, Florida’s 685 and Georgia’s 624. No other state had more than 500 acres of eggplant harvested.
What is the secret for growing eggplant?
One of the biggest secrets of all for growing eggplant with success is to give it plenty of light. Eggplant is a beautiful plant in the garden, with large foliage and colorful fruit that suspends from above. One of the biggest keys of all to growing eggplant is to give it plenty of sunlight.
Where is the best place to plant eggplant?
Plant eggplant in a location that gets full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day—for the best results. Eggplant grows best in a well-drained sandy loam or loam soil that is fairly high in organic matter.
Do eggplants grow back every year?
Eggplant plants can come back every year but they usually won’t. Eggplants rarely survive long past the harvest months. A perennial plant eggplant is a rarity outside of tropical climates. Eggplants can come back every year in ideal, tropical conditions.
Do eggplants need a trellis?
Yes, it’s wise to create a support for eggplants. Staking eggplant keeps the fruit from touching the ground, which in turn, reduces the risk of disease and fosters fruit shape, especially for elongated eggplant varieties.
How many eggplants are produced in New Jersey?
The census indicates New Jersey harvested 849 acres of eggplant in 2019, ahead of California’s 705, Florida’s 685 and Georgia’s 624. No other state harvested more than 500 acres. Those 849 acres yield about 16 million pounds of Jersey Fresh Eggplant, with a production value of roughly $6 million.
Where is the eggplant capital of the world?
Did you know that New Jersey grows about 66 percent of the world’s eggplants? It’s true! The majority of eggplant production is located in South Jersey, especially Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem and Atlantic counties, and smaller production sites are also located in Monmouth and Burlington counties.
Where is eggplant from?
Its origin is considered to be India where it continues to grow wild. This spiny, bitter, orange, pea-sized fruit has been cultivated throughout India and China for more than 1500 years. As trade routes opened, eggplant was introduced to Europe by the Arabs and transported to Africa by the Persians.
What month do you plant eggplant?
Eggplants can only grow in warm soil—50 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The best time to plant eggplant is in late spring after the last threat of frost. Eggplants have a long growing season, so you’ll need to start them indoors around eight weeks before your region’s last frost date.
Is coffee grounds good for eggplants?
What plants like coffee grounds? Like a tomato plant or roses, eggplants thrive in acidic soil, and adding coffee grounds is an easy way to ensure your soil reaches the proper pH.
What is best fertilizer for eggplant?
A balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) is often recommended for eggplant. Feeding too much nitrogen at this point can result in large, leafy plants that fail to produce fruit.
How long do eggplants take to grow?
Eggplants are ready to harvest as soon as 70 days after sowing the seeds. Harvest fruits with skin that is glossy and thin. Eggplants can be harvested when they are small, though growing them longer allows for a larger harvest. Harvestable fruits should be firm and inside seeds should not be visible once cut open.
What is a good companion plant for eggplant?
Peppers, both sweet and hot, make good companion plants, as they have the same growing needs and are susceptible to the same pests and diseases. Tomatoes are often used as eggplant companions. Again, be sure not to shade the eggplant. Potatoes and spinach are also said to make great companion plantings too.
How often should eggplant be watered?
Eggplant also needs consistent water, at least 1 inch per week. It is better to give one thorough soaking than several frequent, short waterings, because frequent watering promotes shallow roots. Weather and soil type, of course, will affect water demand.
How cold is too cold for eggplant?
Eggplant is generally more sensitive to cooler temperatures than its cousins, tomatoes and peppers. Flowers consistently set fruit down to 60 F nighttime temperatures. Eggplants begin to get chilling injury at temperatures below 50 F.
Can eggplants survive the winter?
They are sensitive to frost, so if in cooler region grow the seedlings inside until they are more mature and the soil has warmed.
Can tomatoes and eggplant be planted together?
Q: Can I plant tomatoes and eggplant together? A: Yes! Tomatoes and eggplant are both members of the nightshade family and have similar growing requirements. Just be sure to give them both plenty of room, and lots of compost or organic matter.
How much room does an eggplant need?
Choose a location in your garden where you have not grown tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants and tomatillos for the past three or four years. Practice crop rotation. Space eggplants 18 inches apart, in rows 30 to 36 inches apart.
Do you need to plant more than one eggplant?
Plants given plenty of room are healthier and more productive, so space them 2½ to 3 feet apart in all directions. Water well, pour 1 to 2 cups of compost around each plant, and firm the soil gently. Eggplants are also good for container growing, with one plant per 5-gallon pot.
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