Eggplant can be planted throughout autumn and winter in warmer temperate zones, spring and summer for the colder southern states of Australia visit the Winter Herbs Fruit
How late can 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.
Does eggplant grow all year round?
The plant is in the same Solanaceae family as tomatoes and peppers, so it may grow from year to year, depending on the climate.
What is the lowest temperature eggplant can tolerate?
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.
Is eggplant a summer or winter vegetable?
Eggplants—also known as aubergines or brinjals—are warm-weather vegetables that are harvested in mid- to late summer. Eggplants taste best when harvested young.
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 |
How do you make eggplant grow faster?
Eggplants prefer warm soil. You can speed up their growth, by laying black plastic over your garden soil a few weeks before planting or mulching the plants with dark compost. 8. The first few flowers may drop off of each plant and fail to produce, but the remaining flowers will each yield a single fruit.
How deep should eggplant be planted?
Although eggplant seeds are tiny, sow the seeds about ¼-inch (6 mm.) deep with good quality potting soil in flats or cell containers. Use a dome or cloche to retain heat as well as humidity to encourage germination when eggplant seed planting indoors.
How long does it take eggplant to sprout?
7-12 days
Sow indoors in the four weeks following the last frost date. Use bottom heat, and keep seedlings warm. Optimal soil temperature: 24-32°C (75-90°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-12 days.
How long does it take for eggplant to produce fruit?
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.
Do eggplant come back each year?
Although eggplant is a perennial, it is more commonly grown as an annual.
How much water do eggplants need?
1 inch per week
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.
Do eggplant plants freeze?
Unlike many cool-season crops like peas, lettuce, or broccoli that do just fine with one more last frost, warm-season stars that include tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant do not appreciate frost at all. In fact, a frost of any significance could easily kill them and leave you running to the nursery for more.
Can eggplant survive 40 degree nights?
Eggplant temperature requirements are high. They need temperatures from 20°C to 30°C (70°F – 85°F) and plenty of sunlight in order to thrive. Frost or temperature above 35°C (95°F) may cause a delay in flowering and serious damage to tissues and flowers.
What plant grows the fastest in winter?
Radishes are one of the fastest and simplest plants you can grow. They are ready to harvest in about four weeks from sowing.
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.
What grows well in cold weather?
Common cool-season vegetables: asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, chives, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, Swiss chard, kale, leek, lettuce, onion, parsnips, peas, radishes, spinach, and turnips.
Why is eggplant not good for you?
Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Nightshades contain alkaloids, including solanine, which can be toxic. Solanine protects these plants while they are still developing. Eating the leaves or tubers of these plants can lead to symptoms such as burning in the throat, nausea and vomiting, and heart arrhythmias.
When should you not eat eggplant?
8 Tips to tell if eggplant has gone bad
- Eggplant stopped being firm and starts getting soft.
- It is not so nicely shiny any more.
- The skin starts looking slightly shriveled’
- When cut, your eggplant is slightly slimy.
- The flesh, when cut, is turning brown.
- The seeds are slimy.
- There are rotting spots on the fruit.
How do you prune an eggplant for the winter?
Prune to the lowest growth before winter to keep it as a perennial. In the fall before temperatures drop and the first frost forms, prune your plant back to the lowest point of new growth. New growth should still be green on the outside and inside. This will require you to harvest any remaining fruit.
Is Epsom salt good for eggplants?
As the plants grow, they need an even moisture supply. They do well with a drip irrigation system, but many watering methods work. When the first blossoms appear, spray the plants with a seaweed extract with one teaspoon of Epsom salts dissolved per gallon. The solution improves fruit set.
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.