Pruning Instructions
| Category: | Vegetable |
|---|---|
| Available Colors: | Purple to black |
| Bloom Time: | Summer |
| Height Range: | 24-36″ (61-91cm) |
| Space Range: | 18-30″ (46-76cm) |
How big do Italian eggplants get?
Italian eggplant are similar in shape and color to American eggplant, but diminutive in size—only a few inches in diameter and 5 to 8 inches long. Italian eggplant are more delicate and sweeter than their larger cousins, and their smaller size makes them a good choice for stuffing, roasting, and broiling.
How big is too big for an eggplant?
Most eggplant plants will reach a height of 2 to 3 feet tall. However, some compact varieties may only reach 16 inches tall, while some taller varieties can reach heights of 4 feet. The fruit of eggplants can be as small as 2 or 3 inches long, or as big as 10 inches long.
What does Sicilian eggplant look like?
Sicilian eggplant are big and round, about the size of a grapefruit, and lighter purple in color. Sicilian eggplant are lighter in color and quite round.
What is the best tasting eggplant?
Sweet, tender, flavorful and creamy, Fairy Tale are simply the best eggplants we’ve ever tasted,” says Taylor. This quick-cooking variety is so delicious that it doesn’t even need to be salted. Taylor suggests slicing them lengthwise, then tossing them into stir-fries or sautés, or skewering them on the grill.
How do you grow Sicilian eggplant?
Eggplant ‘Sicilian’ (Solanum melongena var. esculentum)
- Plant Feed. Use a fertilizer formulated for vegetables.
- Watering. Keep well-watered.
- Soil. Fertile, well-drained soil.
- Basic Care Summary. Plant in a sunny location after the threat of frost has passed. Best in fertile, well-drained soil.
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.
Do eggplants need to be pruned?
ANSWER: Eggplants, like fellow nightshade family member tomatoes benefit from staking and pruning. In fact, eggplant actually produces more fruit when pruned. Pruning eggplant can also improve the fruit quality of the plant, and decrease the plant’s susceptibility to disease.
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.
Can you plant two eggplants together?
apart is fine, although 2 ½ feet (76 cm.) apart will keep you from accidentally breaking branches as you are harvesting your eggplant fruits. If you are planting lots of eggplant and need rows, leave an area 30-36 inches (76-91.5 cm.)
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.
Do you have to salt Sicilian eggplant?
She explains that salting the eggplant is not necessary as the flesh lacks the bitterness of other type of aubergines. She cuts each piece in half and without using any oil, she cooks them over a thin hot plate that I have seen her use from warming the morning’s bread to reheating food.
What are the long skinny eggplants called?
Japanese eggplant
Japanese eggplant are long and thin, with a dark, almost black color and glossy appearance. They get very soft and creamy when cooked, and have an almost melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What are small eggplants called?
Indian Eggplant
Also called baby eggplants, these adorable nightshades resemble grapes or cherries. They have a dark, reddish-purple color and a round shape. They’re commonly used in Indian dishes like curry.
Which is better male or female eggplant?
Source: The Cook’s Thesaurus, by Lori Alden. Despite the ages old, old-wives tale that there are male and female eggplants and the male of the species is better eating – detected because it has an “outie” blossom end as opposed to the female “innie” blossom end – there is no such thing.
What type of eggplant that is not bitter?
Choose eggplants that are shiny and firm. At this stage, any seeds found inside are still small, so the flesh will not have accumulated the bitter compounds found in eggplants that have become overripe and puckery.
How can you tell a male from a female eggplant?
Male eggplants have fewer seeds and are less likely to be bitter. To differentiate between male and female eggplants, inspect the flower end. The male has a small, round, smooth end; the female has an irregular, less smooth end.
Should I pinch off eggplant flowers?
Classic eggplants, black beauties, Ichiban eggplants, and other varieties that grow large, heavy fruits should have no more than 5-6 fruits per plant. Once you have half a dozen blossoms that are maturing nicely, pinch off any additional blossoms until your fruits are ready for harvest.
What can you not plant with eggplant?
Eggplant – A good companion for amaranth, beans, marigolds, peas, peppers, spinach, and thyme. Do not plant eggplants near fennel.
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.
Do eggplant come back each year?
Although eggplant is a perennial, it is more commonly grown as an annual.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.