How Big Do Japanese Eggplants Get?

If grown under the right conditions, Japanese eggplants grow up to 4-feet tall and 3-feet wide. The plants reach full size in 50 to 60 days. They need plenty of space in the garden, so all parts of the plant get direct sunlight.

When should I pick my Japanese eggplant?

Signs of Ripe Japanese Eggplant
It should be shiny and firm. If you press your finger on the skin, it shouldn’t leave a dent in the flesh. Pick your eggplants before while they’re still young for the best flavor and texture. They should only be from 3 to 6 inches long, which is young enough for the sweetest flavor.

How big do Japanese eggplants grow?

A healthy and mature Japanese eggplant plant will take up about 3 feet of space in the garden for its canopy to expand and will grow about 4 feet tall. Space the plants a minimum of 24 inches apart so that the leaves and fruit aren’t crowded. The eggplants need to be in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients.

What size should I pick my Japanese eggplant?

The best time to harvest Japanese eggplants is when the fruit is about six inches long. The fruits have a good flavor and are not too seedy at this size.

How much fruit does a Japanese eggplant produce?

The long, slender Japanese eggplant has a thinner skin and more delicate flavor. ‘Ichiban’: 10- to 12-inch, slim, purple/black fruit; bears until frost. Expect a dozen or more fruit from one plant.

What should you not plant next to eggplant?

Eggplant – A good companion for amaranth, beans, marigolds, peas, peppers, spinach, and thyme. Do not plant eggplants near fennel.

Do I need to peel Japanese eggplant?

Japanese eggplant has a thin skin, so it is no need to peel it and you can grill or bake them. It will be soft and pleasant to eat!

Does Japanese eggplant need trellis?

Staking or caging the seedlings can help keep the plants secure when they start growing heavy fruits (since Japanese eggplants are smaller than globe eggplants, supports aren’t necessary but can still be helpful).

Does Japanese eggplant need a cage?

Grows beautifully in garden beds or containers. Add a cage to your eggplant to help support stems when heavy with fruit. Place in full sun, and feed regularly.

How long do Japanese eggplants last?

The stem end should be brightly colored. Stored unwashed, unwrapped, and uncut in the vegetable drawer of the fridge, Japanese eggplant will keep for a good three or four days.

Is Japanese eggplant different from regular eggplant?

Japanese eggplant are slightly smaller than Chinese eggplant and have the same dark purple skin as the American and Italian varieties. Also quick cooking but not as mild as Chinese eggplant, they’re excellent for grilling and broiling, and they stand up to the assertive flavors of garlic, soy, and ginger.

How many years do eggplants live?

Most eggplant cultivars are grown as annuals and thus live for only a single year. In such cases, the plants die immediately after harvesting the eggplant fruits. Eggplant can be grown as a perennial, in which case it will live for about 3 years but this is uncommon.

Do I need 2 eggplant plants?

Eggplant seedlings can be kept warm by covering the garden with floating row cover, like Reemay. The cover can stay up until the summer heat sets in, but be sure to adjust it as the plants grow taller. Eggplants are self-pollinating, so there is no need to remove the cover to give pollinating insects access.

What do Japanese eggplants taste like?

Flavor: Globe eggplants have a slightly bitter taste, so chefs prefer salting or seasoning them during preparation. Japanese eggplants have a milder flavor with a sweet tinge and don’t require as much salt or seasonings.

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.

Can you grow tomatoes and eggplants 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.

What animals eat eggplants?

Eggplant leaves are not very palatable and few animals will choose to eat them unless they are really hungry. While groundhogs are on the bottom of the list, they will eat them if hungry. Rabbits and deer are in the same category, but be advised, unless your fence is over four feet high, it will not keep out the deer.

What is the difference between Chinese and Japanese eggplant?

Characterized by their long, narrow shape, both Japanese and Chinese eggplant can be hard to differentiate. Japanese eggplant tends to have a much deeper purple color, while Chinese eggplant is usually lighter, more lavender-purple, and is sometimes even longer.

How do you prepare Japanese eggplant?

Mix together the soy sauce, sherry, sesame oil, and garlic in a small bowl. Pour the marinade over the eggplant and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour. Preheat grill. Season the eggplant with salt and pepper to taste and grill on each side for 3 minutes, basting occasionally with the remaining marinade.

How do you grow Japanese eggplant in pots?

Plant one eggplant per container, 2-gallon minimum. Fill the container with a high quality potting soil that will drain quickly. Add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting and then every few weeks during the season, especially when plants start to bloom. Water deeply and consistently, but don’t overwater.

Can I use a tomato cage for eggplant?

Drive a stake of any type an inch or two (2.5-5 cm.) away from the plant. Use garden twine, old laces, or pantyhose looped around the plant and the stake to support it. You could also use a tomato cage, of which there are several types.