Eggplants are perennial, warm-weather vegetables from the nightshade family that are ideal for grilling, pickling, and incorporating into dishes like stir-fry and baba ghanoush.
Can eggplant be a perennial?
Mature plants range from 1 to 8 feet in height. Although eggplant is a perennial, it is more commonly grown as an annual. Eggplant flowers are star-shaped in various shades of purple and usually form on opposite leaves as either solitary blooms or grouped in clusters of two or more.
How many Japanese eggplants does one plant 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.
How long does a Japanese eggplant 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.
Do eggplants grow back after winter?
Question: Will my eggplant plant continue to produce through the fall and winter? Answer: They are warm season vegetables so they slow down considerably as temperatures drop. Although eggplants will keep growing and flowering, they are more productive if cut back and allowed to regrow during late summer.
Will eggplant survive the winter?
In a nutshell, your eggplants can survive winter weather, but not on their own. Eggplants are perennial plants which means that they regrow every year. Eggplants never stop growing all year. Many perennials are accustomed to winter weather and become dormant during colder months.
How tall 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 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.
Are there any vegetables that are perennials?
Perennial Vegetables
- Artichoke (Try Jerusalem, also known as Sunchokes.)
- Asparagus (Keep the bed weed-free, and they’ll produce for 20 years or more.
- Broccoli (Not all varieties are perennial.
- Radicchio.
- Rhubarb.
- Spinach (Not all varieties are perennial.
- Sweet Potato.
- Tree cabbages/tree collards.
How many seasons do eggplants last?
How Long Does Eggplant Last?
| Pantry | Fridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Eggplant (whole) | 3 – 4 days | 7 days |
| Eggplant (cut) | 3 – 4 days | |
| Eggplant (cooked) | 3 – 4 days |
Should I trim my eggplant?
Pruning eggplant stems is best done when the plant is established and has already borne some fruit. If your plant has already gone through a period of production and seems like it’s starting to peter off, this is a good time to do some trimming. When pruning eggplant, the traditional shape to go for has three stems.
How Big Should Japanese eggplant be before you pick it?
Signs of Ripe Japanese Eggplant
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.
Can you eat Japanese eggplant skin?
The Japanese eggplant’s thinner skin may be more easily cooked and consumed than the thick skin of a normal eggplant. The skin is also full of fiber that can help keep you feeling full, regulate your digestion and even lower cholesterol.
Why is it called Japanese eggplant?
Japanese eggplants, botanically classified as Solanum melongena, are slender, purple-hued varieties belonging to the Solanaceae, or nightshade family. The name Japanese eggplant is used as a general descriptor for many different varieties of eggplants grown in Japan.
How do you revive eggplant?
If your eggplants have been overwatered, the best thing to do is to let them dry out. Not completely, of course, but give them some time to recover without having waterlogged roots. As long as it hasn’t progressed to root rot, this will help.
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).
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.
How are Japanese eggplants different?
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 long do eggplant plants 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.
How do you fertilize Japanese eggplant?
Apply a balanced fertilizer twice over the summer, first when the fruits are quarter-sized, and again two or three weeks later. Growing Japanese eggplant in containers is similar, but you will need to water more frequently since the containers dry out more quickly than does the soil in your garden.
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.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.