Eggplant Seeds
How to Grow Eggplant
If you garden in warm climates, you no doubt know what makes this plant happy, as the most pressing requirement is warmth, and the weather must remain warm throughout the plant's growing cycle. If you live in a climate with hot summers, the plant is more forgiving than in regions with short, cool growing seasons. In cooler regions, you'll have to resort to some tricks in order to have success. Start eggplant indoors eight weeks before your transplanting date. You will want to transplant when you can count on these conditions: soil temperatures at least 70º (21ºC) and daytime air temperatures consistently above 70ºF(21ºC), and night air temperatures not below 60ºF (16ºC). Eggplants are very sensitive to transplant shock, so instead of sowing seed in flats, start the plants in 4-inch pots right away, 2-3 seeds per pot. Germinate with bottom heat and try to maintain soil temperature of at least 80ºF (27ºC) until the seedlings emerge and then 70ºF (21ºC) there after. Thin to one plant per pot, but cutting the extras with scissors. Brush the plants gently with your hands twice a day to promote stocky growth and hefty stems. Harden the seedlings for a week before transplanting by decreasing the air temperature to 60ºF (16ºC) and cutting back on the water. Once outdoors cut slits into the plastic mulch and transplant carefully to avoid root damage.
Sowing
Seed Depth: ¼" (6mm)
Germination soil temperature: 85º F (29ºC)
Days to Germination: 7
Sow indoors: 4-6 weeks before last frost.
Sow outdoors: Not recommended
Growing
pH range: 5.5-7.0
Growing soil temperature: 80-90º F (27-32ºC)
Spacing in beds : 18" staggered pattern
Watering: Heavy.
Light: Full sun
Nutrient requirements: N= moderate, P=high, K=high
Rotation considerations: Follow beans or peas.
Good Companions: Bush beans, pea, pepper, potato
Bad Companions: Fennel
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