Quick Sowing Guide
| Method | Sow direct or raise seedlings |
|---|---|
| Sowing Depth | 5mm |
| Plant Height | 50cm |
| Position | Full sun, moist well drained soil |
| Days Until Maturity | 80 days |
How quickly does eggplant 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.
How do you plant Thai eggplant?
Thai eggplant seedlings should be planted 2 feet (61 cm.) apart, preferably in a raised bed with a soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. Cover seedlings at night to protect them if cold snaps are imminent, as these tropical plants are not suited to night temperatures below 53 degrees F.
How tall do Thai eggplants grow?
between 1 to 5 feet
Like many other eggplant varieties, Thai eggplant is a bushy plant with thick, woody stems. The leaves are large, lobed, green to grayish in color. Mature Thai eggplant trees can grow between 1 to 5 feet in height. Eggplants are often grown as annuals.
How many eggplants do you get per plant?
The standard eggplant produces egg-shaped, glossy, purple-black fruit. ‘Black Beauty’ is the traditional eggplant size. One plant produces 4 to 6 large rounded fruit.
What is the best month to 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 Thai eggplant good for you?
Thai eggplants are also rich in dietary nutrients like potassium, antioxidants, manganese, and fiber. With calories as low as 25 per serving, Thai eggplant is ideal for those watching their diet. It can also reduce the risk of high blood pressure, streamline the digestive system, and lower parasitic infections.
What is Thai eggplant called?
makhuea
Thai eggplant (Thai: มะเขือ, RTGS: makhuea) is the name for several varieties of eggplant used in Southeast Asian cuisines, most often of the eggplant species Solanum melongena.
What does a Thai eggplant look like?
Thai eggplants are little green orbs, about the size of a golf ball and are either green or yellow depending on their ripeness. These baby eggplants are often darker near the stem and fade to a creamier white color at the other end.
Can you eat Thai eggplant seeds?
The seeds are edible but can be difficult to chew. In cooked applications, Thai eggplants are most commonly used in curries, and when cooked they become soft and soak up the sauce with ease.
Can I freeze Thai eggplant?
While all eggplants become more watery after freezing, some types freeze better than others. Black varieties usually hold up better after freezing than Chinese and Thai eggplants.
How do you grow Thai pea eggplant?
These are heat-loving and seeds should be started indoors about 1/8-1/4″ deep, about 8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant into garden well after the danger of frost. The growing characteristics are similar to most eggplants. The plants reach about 4-5 feet tall and should be planted 12 inches apart.
How do you know when to pick green eggplant?
Harvesting eggplants should occur when the inner flesh is cream colored, fruits are firm and before seeds are visible. Learning when to harvest eggplants may require cutting into the fruit to check the color of the flesh and the size of the seeds.
How do you grow a long green eggplant?
Sow 8 to 10 weeks before setting out, after all threat of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures are reliably above 55°F. Use lightweight floating row covers to keep them extra warm and cozy if necessary. Eggplant is a heavy feeder and should be grown in organically rich soil.
What is the lifespan of an eggplant plant?
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.
What is the 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.
Do eggplants like full sun?
As a basic rule of thumb, vegetables grown for their fruit or roots—such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, potatoes, or carrots—require full sun, which is defined as a garden location that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day.
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.
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.
Is July too late to plant eggplant?
Tomato, eggplant, and pepper plants can be put into the ground at the end of June; once the temperatures warm up in July these plants will take off and grow quickly. Bean and squasha seeds can be sown if they are in the ground by July 1st.
Is Thai eggplant a nightshade?
Thai Name: Ma khua Puang
The eggplant is part of the Solanaceae family and it can also be called nightshades. The fruit is also known by the same name and this is used as a vegetable when cooking. The nightshade is related to the tomato and potato and it is most commonly found in South Asia.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.