#Eggplant transplants full#

Common diseases include blossom end rot, bacterial spot, and soft rot.Common pest enemies include aphids, Colorado potato beetles, cucumber beetles, flea beetles, tomato hornworms, and others.Cold nights will cause blossoms to drop producing bushy plants without fruit. Protect early-season plants from cold weather under lightweight spun poly row covers supported by wire hoops or under a plastic tunnel.Fertilize with an organic fertilizer such as fish emulsion at half strength.Avoid planting eggplants where tomatoes, potatoes, or peppers have grown recently.Check the bottom of the pot to be sure roots are not growing through and the plant is not root-bound. If you plant seedlings started by another grower, select plants 6 to 8 weeks old usually in a 4-inch (10 cm) pot.

#Eggplant transplants full#

Grow eggplants in full sun for the best yield.

Eggplants prefer a pH range of 5.5 to 6.8.

Add aged compost to planting beds in advance of transplanting.

Set plants 24 inches (60 cm) apart in rows at least 24 inches apart.Eggplants can be transplanted into the garden after they are at least 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) tall.Transfer seedlings to a larger container once they are 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) tall be sure that seedlings have sufficient room for root growth in the new container this process is called “potting up” continue to pot up seedlings as they outgrow containers-until they are transplanted into the garden or a very large container.Fertilize with fish emulsion or a soluble complete fertilizer at half strength.

Keep the indoor nighttime temperature above 62☏ (17☌).

Seedlings started indoors should be kept under grow lights or in a sunny window after germination.

Eggplant seed can be sown directly in the garden if the soil temperature is warm enough-and there are enough days in the season for plants to reach maturity.Keep seed starting mix just moist until seedlings are well-established.Germination takes 10 to 15 days at 86☏ (30☌) or warmer.Germination soil temperature is 70-95☏ (20-35☌) the optimum soil temperature for germinating seed is 86☏ (30☌).Sow 3 or 4 seeds in a pot or sow seeds across flats then clip away the weaker seedlings once the strongest seedling is about 2 inches (5 cm) tall.Do not set eggplants outdoors until the nighttime temperature is consistently greater than 55☏ (13☌)-unless you plan to protect the plants from chilling under a plastic tunnel or spun poly-row cover.Sow eggplants in individual pots of light potting mix 10 to 8 weeks before you intend to set plants out.Eggplants are commonly started indoors in a greenhouse or warm, well-lit sunroom or kitchen.AgrobriteT5 Fluorescent, 2-Foot, Grow Light System.Seed Starter Kit with Humidity Dome (120 Cells Total Tray).200 Count- Jiffy 7 Peat Soil Seed Starting Plugs.Jump Start Germination Station w/Heat Mat Tray, 72-Cell Pack, Dome.Good Products for Seed Starting Success at Amazon: Prewarm the soil with plastic sheeting ahead of setting out transplants or direct sowing seeds. All eggplants are harmed by extended temperatures below 50☏ (10☌).Įggplant seeds can be directly sown in the garden only in regions with long, warm summers. Grow early maturing varieties in all regions but especially where summers are short. Grow long-season varieties in regions with hot summers. Eggplant seeds germinate in about 10 days.Įggplants grow best in average temperatures between 70° and 85☏ (21-29☌). Transplant eggplant seedlings to the garden 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost. Sow eggplant seeds indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before setting seedlings in the garden. Because most summers in temperate regions are not long enough for eggplants to grow from seed to harvest, it’s best to start eggplant from seeds indoors. Eggplants are tropical and semi-tropical plants.