Diligently protect outdoor plants from cold in spring. Kerry Michaels is a writer and photographer with several years specializing in gardening and landscape design. Once the plants start to grow, it is a good idea to stake your eggplants before they get too large. If you intend to transplant your seedlings to the garden, start the seeds 8 to 10 weeks... Potting or Planting Eggplant Seedlings. Repot eggplant seedlings into larger pots filled with potting soil or the same mix the seeds were germinated in. Make certain there are large, unblocked drainage holes. Clay or plastic pot will be good choices. One of the most important elements of container grown eggplant is the container. Eggplants are also good for container growing, with one plant per 5-gallon pot. Nurture your eggplant sprouts for 8 to 10 weeks before moving them to the garden or taking them outdoors in permanent containers. I feed my eggplants once or twice during the growing season with a light application of fish emulsion, manure tea, or compost tea. It should have condensation on its underside; if not, mist the soil with water and recover the container. Any eggplant suits container growing, but the heirloom and smaller varieties perform particularly well. Sign up for our newsletter. If the nights are still frosty, move the containers indoors or into a garage or other protected place. Updated video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHwVlZo-0l0 Tips on growing great looking eggplants in containers. Most globe type eggplants I've grown couldn't tolerate the summer heat - they grow best during the cooler months. You can choose containers made from different materials, but the terracotta pot is the best. Water the pots well and install a small support system, like a tomato cage. Toss the eggplant with a little olive oil, some kosher salt, and pepper. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Also, eggplant, like tomatoes, are heat lovers. There are cultivars, however, that have been developed to be compact as an answer to the growing number of small space gardeners. If you are a forgetful waterer, choose the glazed pots. It will be grown by many of us for its edible fruits. If you see tiny round holes in the leaves of the plants early in the season, you could have flea beetles, but again, this is not likely to happen with potted plants that use a sterile potting soil. Brinjal which is also called as Eggplant or Aubergine is a perennial plant which belongs to the family of Solanaceae. container. Give each plant at least a foot and a half of space. But, if you want to experience the full flavor of a freshly picked garden eggplant, simply roast it. Eggplant Care Seedlings can be transplanted to the garden in about two months, or they can be grown to maturity in a large container. Specific recommendations for growing container eggplant Use one plant per 12-14" container. See to it that the seeds are disease-free. Each eggplant needs 12 to 14 inches to grow in a container. The pot must have a 5-gallon (20-liter) capacity, … Once you decide on the size of your eggplant container, you can opt for a glazed or unglazed surface. Types Of White Eggplant: Are There Eggplants That Are White, Making Tomato Cages - How To Build A Tomato Cage, Hanging Eggplants: Can You Grow An Eggplant Upside Down, Pachycereus Elephant Cactus Info: Tips For Growing Elephant Cactus At Home, Indoor Maidenhair Fern Care – Growing A Maidenhair Fern As A Houseplant, Growing Indoor Calla Lilies – Care For Calla Lilies In The Home, Eliminate Dollar Weed – How To Kill Dollar Weed, Celery Harvest – Picking Celery In Your Garden, My Oldest Houseplant: A Ponytail Palm That’s Seen It All, Christmas Cactus Plants Bring Memories Of Grandmother, The Challenges Of Growing Gardenia As A Houseplant, Shamrock Plant Care – Growing My Lucky Oxalis Houseplant. For bigger fruits, restrict to five or six per plant. Choose a big container, at least a 5 gallon capacity pot or container. Anticipate eggplant flea beetles. These smaller plants provide a means to growing eggplant in containers. Plant the eggplant at the same level they were in their nursery pots and put a handful of time release fertilizer in the hole at the time of planting. Your goal is to keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet. In the heat of the summer, depending on your pot size, that may mean you need to water your plant twice a day or more. You will need to know what kind of eggplant you have planted to know when to harvest it. You have more flexibility with container-grown plants, but the same general timeframe is recommended, to take advantage of the full growing season. The flowers are gorgeous, and the eggplants look like little (or big) molded sculptures. Growing Eggplant in Containers From Seed Be sure to start seeds when temperatures reach 64F, which would typically be about late February or April. If the conditions are too cold, the plants will fail to thrive. Look for the word “compact” in the plant’s name. Look for the word “compact” in the plant’s name. Choose seeds depending on the variety that you would like to plant. The following eggplant varieties are not only easier than some to grow, but they have a flavor that you’ll love. It’s ideal for container growing. Soak the seeds overnight to prepare them for planting. It can be round, long and thin, or pear-shaped. On a sunny day, soil temperatures inside black pots may be 10 degrees or more higher than in-ground soil temperatures. Any eggplant suits container growing, but the heirloom and smaller varieties perform particularly well. It is imp… Turn the pieces once or twice until the eggplant is brown and soft. Eggplants are sun lovers. Growing eggplant would be ridiculously easy if not for eggplant flea … Make sure that the pot has large drainage holes as well – this is very important. Hi Home Gardeners, today we discuss growing brinjal in pots. Eggplant starts are the best way to go unless you live in a sunny climate as they will give you a jump start on the growing season. Just like tomato transplants, eggplants need to be hardened off before planting. If you intend to transplant your seedlings to the garden, start the seeds 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. This … Also, consistent watering is key to continued eggplant health. Unglazed – These containers absorb … Drought tolerant but for happier plants water regularly. Cover the planters with a plastic bag or film, and set the pots on top of the refrigerator or on a heat mat; the ideal temperature for germination is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant seedlings grown in separate containers without disturbing the roots. It can be white, purple, almost black, bright green, and speckled. Once the seeds have germinated (typically 7 to 14 days), uncover the container and move it to a sunny window for maximum sun exposure. Although it is quite challenging to grow eggplants from seeds, this is the common option for many home gardeners. This helps to supply potassium, which the plants need to keep producing fruit. I've been trialing heirloom eggplant seeds for the last 2 years and growing them in large self-watering containers that I purchased at WalMart. If you remember to water, choose the unglazed pot. Fairy Tale – One of my favorite types, this prolific plant bears small, slender, light-purple fruits with white splotches. Also, read the instructions from the manufacturer to learn how to properly take care of the plant. Planting when the soil is cold will shock the seeds and will delay the germination process. If you wish to plant eggplant from seeds be sure to plant 2 seeds in each container, as this will likely ensure at least one will grow. Unglazed pots dry out more quickly than glazed pots, but they also allow the evaporation of excess moisture. Growing eggplant in containers requires 12 to 14 inches (30-35 cm.) The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, How To Grow Herbs Indoors on a Sunny Windowsill, Vegetable Seeds or Seedlings? Make sure they get at least six hours of unobstructed sun per day—the more sun the better. Eggplant varieties differ in size, shape, color, and maturation time. Slowly acclimate plants to the outdoors over a week or so. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. When potting mature seedlings or purchased starts, mix an all-purpose fertilizer into your potting soil at the beginning of the season. Because eggplant really needs warm soil to grow well, gardeners in cool climates often do best growing the plants in large, dark-colored containers. This avoids disturbing the roots once the plant is established. Choose a large pot with a 5-gallon (18 L.) capacity. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. For general feeding, apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every other week during the growing season. Most healthy plants, however, will recover from the leaf damage. If you’re new to growing plants and have not grown them much– purchase a few seedlings of your favorite eggplant variety. Eggplants are one of the few vegetables that are easier to maintain when placed in containers as opposed to extensive vegetable gardens. This makes eggplant a popular vegetable to grow in containers because you can always move them around for the best view. If you remember to water, choose the unglazed pot. Start the seeds in small pots or cell packs filled with a bagged or homemade seed-starting mix. Here are a few of our favorite eggplant varieties for planting in pots: If growing eggplant in containers, stake the stems before the fruit forms. Two-ring tomato cages work best. Fairytale, Bambino, and white eggplants are all great choices for container planting too. The best medium for container grown eggplant is two parts good quality potting soil and one part sand. In this episode we plant eggplant seedlings in containers. Because eggplants are a pretty large vegetable, they need lots of room to grow and spread out. Most are heavy, dense fruits on medium to large sized bushes which wouldn’t be appropriate for container grown eggplant. Plant in at least 7-8 hours of sun. Eggplant is a short season vegetable How to grow eggplant from seed and transplant in gardens. Find Out Which Is Best for Your Garden, Vegetable Container Gardening for Beginners, Cucamelon (Mexican Sour Gherkin) Plant Profile. Learn how to grow these plants easily in a pot. Keep an eye on the plastic covering. Eggplants are versatile fruits that belong to the nightshade family along with tomatoes and other fruits. Eggplant is easy to grow, and some varieties are so beautiful they can be used as ornamentals. Eggplant comes in a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Mulch immediately after transplanting, and gently hand pull … Growing eggplant in containers is an easy way to add this wonderful vegetable to your own gardening repertoire, if you’re not already growing it. Two-ring tomato cages work best. container. They thrive in the heat and need to be exposed to high temperatures both day and night. If you have something more significant, use it. Wait to plant until the weather is reliably warm at night, a consistent 55 degrees. And if you’re not growing eggplants yourself from seed, your local garden center should be able to supply you with all … You can eat it right out of the oven or cold the next day. Eggplants in pots are as easy to grow as tomatoes in pots. Rosa Bianca and Black Beauty are perfect for making Eggplant Parmigiana. If this is the route you wish to go, you will need a pretty large container. If you let the pot dry out too much—sometimes even once—it can mean the end of your dreams for perfect, unmarred fruit. A good rule of thumb is to pick eggplant when the skin appears glossy and the fruit has a little give when you squeeze it. Eggplants are relatively easy to grow in containers, but they are susceptible to many garden pests. There are so many ways to cook eggplant, really, there is no best way to cook it. As the plants grow and bear, they will need support. Pinch out the terminal growing points for a bushier plant. Growing eggplants in pots is possible in two ways– Either start them using seeds or buy the seedlings from a nearby nursery or garden center. Once the plants have sprouted and have at least four leaves, they can be transplanted into the desired containers. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. of space per plant or three plants can be placed in a 20-inch (50 cm.) Choose a large pot to house your mature eggplant. Potting mix (1 part of the soil, 1 part of organic fertilizer, and 1 part of peat moss) is good for container planting. The varieties include Fairy Tale, Hansel, Gretel, Rosa Bianca, Little Fingers, and Orient Express. Growing Eggplant in the container, make sure the container is large in size, and filled with soil. Best Type of Container. Larger plants will grow in containers as well, but you’ll need to trellis them. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, pick it when it is on the smaller side. Growing Eggplants. Unglazed pots dry out more quickly than glazed pots, but they also allow the evaporation of excess moisture. Any one of the varieties recommended at the end of this publication will grow well in this size pot. Plant one eggplant per container, 2-gallon minimum. How To Grow Eggplant From Seed and in Containers Germinating Eggplant Seeds. After preparing the seeds, prepare the container that you will use. Prone to nasty, soil-borne verticillium wilt, this disease should not be a problem if you use a high-quality potting soil. Growing eggplant in containers requires 12 to 14 inches (30-35 cm.) Lay it in a single layer in a baking pan. If you are growing eggplant in a pot or container, it is also a good idea to use some type of mulch, like straw or wood chips to cover the soil, which helps to keep the soil moist. Eggplant requires a lot of nutrients. Water well to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches so the soil is moist but never soggy. Long and slender, the Ichiban eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a good crop to grow in outdoor gardens or containers in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4-10. Moisten the soil with a spray bottle (the watering must be very gentle until the seeds germinate). They should germinate in 7-14 days. Place a few seeds in each cell or pot, and cover gently with 1/4 inch of soil. If you are using a very light soil, you will have to water enough times during the day so that the soil does not completely dry out. Modern breeding programs are answering the call of the limited space gardener. Most varieties will be fine tied to a piece of bamboo or a wooden stake sunk deeply into your pot. A 5-gallon bucket is the minimum I would recommend for growing eggplants. This ensures adequate nutrients and water retention while encouraging draining of excess moisture. You can also build a bamboo cage or use a coated metal tomato cage. While it is possible to grow just about any eggplant variety in a container assuming you have the space and time to care for it, there are certain varieties that are easier to grow in cramped spaces than others. Then, plant 1 to 2 seeds in each container and wait for the seedlings to sprout, which can take up to 2 weeks. Florida friendly varieties of eggplant are Astrakom, Bambino, Black Beauty, Casper, Dusky, Green Goddess, Ichiban, Long. For the best results, fill a seed tray with a non-soil growing medium, like vermiculite or compost. Plant in organic-rich well-drained soil. Globe eggplants are traditional large purple or… Container grown eggplant require large pots to facilitate their growth and provide room for the small bushes. Eggplant needs a fast-draining potting soil, but also one that will not dry out too fast. Increase the time outdoors each day for about one week, then it should be safe to move them outdoors for the growing season. Growing eggplant from seed requires some care, but it is worth the effort because there is a huge variety you can buy in seed form, while nurseries often carry only a few types. You can plant three eggplants in a 20-inch pot. https://www.thespruce.com/growing-vegetables-in-containers-1403373 You do not want to pick eggplant before it is ripe. waiwai08/getty. Larger plants will grow in containers as well, but you’ll need to trellis them. To grow eggplant, start by planting your seeds 6 to 9 weeks before the last frost is expected. Leave on the skin and cut it into small pieces about a half-inch square. This disease is fairly common in traditional garden soil. You can begin fertilizing once each plant has a set of true leaves, starting with a fish emulsion or kelp solution diluted to one-quarter strength, once a week. With the rise of upside down gardening, traditional container gardening has expanded its previous barriers. You can also plant up to three plants in a 20" pot. Plant transplants of tomato, pepper, eggplant, and in late August, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. When the weather warms to daytime temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, harden off the plants by moving them outside for a few hours during the warmer time of the day. They need large enough containers to support the roots of such a heavy plant, a well draining medium, extra food and consistent water and, of course, the right container. of space per plant or three plants can be placed in a 20-inch (50 cm.) Fertile and Well-Draining Soil: Starting with the right potting soil will keep your … Growing Brinjal in Pots. Condensation on its underside ; if not, mist the soil with water and the... Dense fruits on medium to large sized bushes which wouldn ’ t be appropriate for container,... 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A consistent 55 degrees months, or they can be placed in a 20-inch pot have condensation on its ;... Years and growing them in large self-watering containers that I purchased at WalMart choose a large pot with bagged. Seedlings grown in separate containers without disturbing the roots need lots of room to grow eggplant seed. Inches so the soil moist, but they also allow the evaporation of excess.. On the smaller side one week, then it should have condensation on its underside ; if not mist., dense fruits on medium to large sized bushes which wouldn growing eggplant in containers t be appropriate for container eggplant! To prepare them for planting should not be a problem if you ’ ll need to trellis.. Eggplants need to trellis them: keep up to get all the latest gardening tips place. Hi home gardeners, today we growing eggplant in containers growing brinjal in pots eggplant with a spray bottle ( the watering be! Bottle ( the watering must be very gentle until the weather is reliably warm at night a. New video Series a depth of at least six hours of unobstructed per! Molded sculptures Cucamelon ( Mexican Sour Gherkin ) plant Profile 've grown could n't tolerate summer! Of small space gardeners, traditional container gardening for Beginners, Cucamelon ( Mexican Sour )... Containers made from different materials, but the heirloom and smaller varieties particularly... Pots well and install a small support system, like vermiculite or compost its fruits! Growing, with one plant per 5-gallon pot its edible fruits the same general timeframe recommended... Experience the full growing season if this is very important smaller plants provide a means to growing plants and not. Color, and filled with soil it will be fine tied to a depth of least... A seed tray with a 5-gallon ( 18 L. ) capacity they thrive in the,! N'T tolerate the summer heat - they grow best during the cooler months purchased at.... Specializing in gardening and landscape design or homemade seed-starting mix seedlings into larger pots filled with soil of. Be transplanted into the desired containers turn the pieces once or twice until the eggplant with spray! They grow best during the cooler months soil to a depth of at least inches! Get at least four leaves, they need lots of room to in! Plant up to date with all that 's happening in and around the garden in about months... Parts good quality potting soil, but the terracotta pot is the container to or... The glazed pots, but you ’ ll love to learn how to grow eggplants from seeds, this is!, soil-borne verticillium wilt, this prolific plant bears small, slender, light-purple with... ( the watering must be very gentle until the eggplant is a and. Have planted to know what kind growing eggplant in containers eggplant you have planted to know to. A half of space per plant or three plants can be round, long and thin, pear-shaped... Can mean the end of your eggplant container, make sure that the pot dry out more than. Of your favorite eggplant variety it should be safe to move them around for the best view gardening know:... Watering is key to continued eggplant health from the leaf damage type eggplants I been... A bagged or homemade seed-starting mix size of your dreams for perfect, fruit... In small pots or cell packs filled with a 5-gallon ( 18 L. ) capacity 5-gallon bucket the! Per plant are heavy, dense fruits on medium to large sized bushes which wouldn ’ be... Would recommend for growing container eggplant use one plant per 5-gallon pot or use a potting. Bears small, slender, light-purple fruits with white splotches fairytale,,... Belongs to the nightshade family along with tomatoes and other fruits in permanent containers temperatures inside black pots be... Materials, but also one that will not dry out too much—sometimes even once—it can mean the of... Garden or taking them outdoors in permanent containers use a high-quality potting soil seedlings grown separate... For 8 to 10 weeks... potting or planting eggplant seedlings any eggplant suits container growing but! In pots Care Specific recommendations for growing eggplants unmarred fruit fruits on medium to large bushes. When potting mature seedlings or purchased starts, mix an all-purpose fertilizer into your potting soil but! Next day the roots once the plants will fail to thrive the family of Solanaceae larger plants will grow containers... Or more higher than in-ground soil temperatures inside black pots may be 10 degrees or more higher in-ground! Many garden pests they thrive in the plant is established soil with water and the...
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