CARING FOR EGGPLANTS
Depending on the variety and location of your garden, eggplants take about nine to 11 weeks of warmer weather to produce harvestable fruits. Their blossoms should appear some time in mid-summer.
Watering Eggplant
Eggplants need generous moisture at all times. One inch of water each week is a minimum. This may vary, however, due to air temperature, wind, soil type, rainfall, and whether or not a mulch is used.
Sandy soils require more frequent watering. Heavy soakings at weekly intervals are better than many light soakings as light, frequent waterings promote shallow root systems. Mulching will reduce water loss from the soil.
Fertilizing Eggplant
Eggplant is a heavy feeder and therefore may need extra fertilizer for a good crop. A cup of starter fertilizer (high in phosphorus) solution can also be poured around each newly transplanted seedling to help stimulate growth. A side dressing of 1/4 cup of fertilizer in a 2-foot circle around the base of the plant immediately after flowering will be beneficial on soils low in nitrogen. Do not over-fertilize.
Mulching Eggplant
Mulches help keep weeds down, reduce water loss and stabilize soil temperatures. Organic mulches, such as straw, leaves or grass clippings, can be used. Organic mulches should be at least 2 inches, and preferably 3 to 4 inches, deep. Mulching too early in the season with organic mulches will keep the soil cool, resulting in slow growth, poor fruit set, and shallow rooting.
Eggplant Health Insurance – For Better Production
There are several relatively new organic products available that when applied to Eggplant plants as a foliar spray, the disease resistance of the plant increases considerably and the plant’s ability to resist pest insects also goes way up. In addition these products help insure the best health of the plant which leads to the largest fruit with the highest nutrition possible at harvest.
Two products serve this benefit –They are Vegetable Thrive and Liquid Kelp. You get the results if you foliar feed these two products on all the leaves of the Eggplant plants once a month until harvest is completed.
Pruning Eggplant
When plants are about 6" high, nip back the growing tip to encourage branching. Pick fruits when immature, about 2/3 maximum size. Mature fruit should not be left on the plant as this will reduce overall productivity. Pinch off blossoms 2 to 4 weeks before first expected frost so that plants channel energy into ripening existing fruit, not producing new ones.
Staking Eggplant
Staking may be necessary later in the season as the number and size of the fruit increase. Rain, wind and irrigation can cause the branches to break or droop. Fruit touching the ground may spoil. Sturdy stakes two to three feet tall will do the job.
MONTH TO MONTH TIPS FOR GROWING EGGPLANT
Month of May Eggplant – When purchasing transplants, select those that are sturdy, dark green in color and not yet in bloom. Leaves should be fully expanded and free of diseases and insects. Plants grown in individual containers may cost more, but are usually worth it because their roots are disturbed less when they are set out in the garden.
Eggplant transplants should be set out in late May or early June when they are no more than 10 weeks old and when air temperature averages about 70F during the day; chilling injury and stunting can occur below 40F. Plant them about 2 feet apart from each other.
To be safe, have some protective devices such as a cloche standing by in case of unexpected chills. If possible, avoid planting new seedlings where eggplants, tomatoes, potatoes, or peppers were planted the previous year. All of these can be susceptible to and harbor similar disease problems.
When preparing the soil for planting add some slow release granular fertilizer.
Month of June Eggplant –Staking may be necessary later in the season as the number and size of the fruit increase. Rain, wind and irrigation can cause the branches to break or droop. Fruit touching the ground may spoil.
Optional – Eggplants will enjoy a monthly application of liquid fertilizer according to the product label.
Optional – Eggplants like to grow in 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch.
Month of July Eggplant – Harvest - A common mistake is to harvest eggplants too late. Eggplant should be harvested after they reach the proper size and color for their type, but before their fruit becomes seedy. When the side of the fruit is pressed slightly with the thumbnail and an indentation remains, the fruit is ripe. If left on the plant too long, they will become tough and off-flavored. They remain in an edible condition for several weeks after they become colored and fully grown.
The fruits are usually cut from the plants with a knife or pruning tool since the stems are hard and woody. The large calyx (cap) and a short piece of stem are left on the fruit. Plants of most cultivars have sharp spines, so care is necessary when harvesting to prevent injury.
Optional – Eggplants will enjoy a monthly application of liquid fertilizer according to the product label.
Month of August Eggplant – Optional – Eggplants will enjoy a monthly application of liquid fertilizer according to the product label.
