How to Grow Eggplant from Seeds

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Eggplant seeds

Planting pot

Fertilizer

Soil

Gardening tools

Sunlight, heater, heating mat

Warm environment

Patience

Step 1 Eggplant blossomPlant seeds 6-8 weeks indoors before transplanting. The best time to start is in the first week of April.

Step 2 They are very slow to germinate. Plant several seeds in a pot, 1/2" deep. Keep them warm by using a seedling warmer on the bottom of the soil, or put them near a heater, or in a sunny spot near a window in your house. Keep in mind, but don't be discouraged that only 60-65% of the seeds you plant will germinate; they are very sensitive to temperature and don't grow outside the range of 75-90 degrees F.

Step 3 Young plants need warmth to grow, place them in a warm location with bright light. A week prior planting outside, move the plants to a cool area and feed them less water; cut off about 1/4 the amount you used.

Step 4 If you plant seeds in April, germination will complete in mid to late June. Remove only the strongest seedling. Discard the weak ones; they die soon anyway after transplant, so don't think they are wasted.

Step 5 In mid to late June when weather is consistently fair and warm, transplant outdoors to a hot and bright location, where it is also wind-proofed.

Step 6 Eggplants prefer loose, sandy soil with organic materials (like peat moss) and compost. Plants need heavy watering and heavy fertilizing. Surround each plant with a 2" mulch to help retain moisture around roots. Space each young plant 24 inches apart and spread generously of granular 5-10-10 fertilizer around roots before covering the planting holes. Fertilize every three weeks by sprinkling a handful of granular on the ground around each plant. Mature plants may need staking to help them stand especially when they have fruits.

Step 7 Fruits maturingIf temperature is under 70 degrees F, the fruit will not develop. Also, leaves will grow in minimum sunlight but does not encourage fruit growth.

Step 8 Aphids, beetles are common pest to eggplants. A spray of water usually remove aphids; wash the plants early in the day. Use cardboard collar around the plants or hand pick larvae and eggs if beetles are a problem. You can also buy pesticides specifically for killing these insects - avoid spraying chemicals on the fruit.

Step 9 Harvested eggplants Pick fruit when slightly immature. Constant harvest fruit to encourage flower production. Eggplant is ready to harvest with smooth, glossy and firm skin.