How to Grow and Care for Eggplant?
Eggplant is a dark and glossy purple vegetable packed with nutrition. It is even simpler to grow than their tomato cousins, and they like the same conditions. The plant loves a full sun spot and will happily grow in large pots, containers and veggie beds. The plants grow at a moderate rate up to 2-4 feet tall. Purple and white flowers bloom from the spiny stem and the fruits are glossy and egg-shaped.
It is also great for containers and make lovely ornamental borders. Whenever varieties you decide to grow, the delicious eggplants can be used in many different cuisines and recipe. Here’s some tips how to grow this easy warm-season vegetable.
How to Grow
The best way to grow eggplants is to start with seeds. Begin seed germination indoors about six weeks before the last frost. Seeds can be directly sown in your garden or pots if you live in the tropics or subtropics. Eggplant seeds should be sown 5mm deep into punnets filled with Scotts Performance Naturals Premium Organic Based Potting Mix with soil. Lightly cover with seed-starting mix and then water. Cover the pots or tray with clear plastic sheet to help maintain moisture.
Place container in bright light in a warm spot that is at least 70ºF and preferably 80ºF. Germination may improve the use of a heating mat under your pots. After seeds sprout, remove the clear plastic sheet. Water regularly to keep moist and provide very bright light for the best growth.
Care
To raise the soil temperature for early planting, mulch with black plastic sheet or grow in dark-colored containers. Plants grow up to 4 feet tall with long leaves and purple or white blossoms. The eye-catching fruit is a berry, quite attractive in flowerbeds and container gardens. Remember that stake eggplants as you would peppers and tomatoes, so the heavy-laden plants don’t fall over.
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