ichiban eggplant seeds

How do you grow Ichiban eggplant?

Planting: Space 24 to 36 inches apart. Soil requirements: Eggplants need well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Amend soil with 3 to 5 inches of compost or other organic matter prior to planting. Soil pH should be 6.2 to 6.8.

How big do Ichiban eggplants get?

' The 'Ichiban' eggplant is the most widely available and grows to 10 or 12 inches with slender, purple fruit. 'Little Fingers' are smaller – finger-sized, in fact – so these are good for growing Japanese eggplants in containers.

How long does it take to grow eggplant from seed?

But natural light may need help in the North. Eggplant seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days, depending on the heat, moisture provided, and moisture content and age of the seed. Seedlings with two sets of leaves can be transplanted into 4-inch or 2 x 2 x 6-inch pots two to three weeks after germination.

How do you grow eggplant from seeds?

Sow eggplant seeds in cell packs or small pots, 1/4 inch deep. Water them well, cover loosely with a plastic bag or a plastic seedling flat cover to retain moisture, and place them in a warm spot―on top of the refrigerator or on seedling heat mats would be perfect. Keep the soil moist.

Does eggplant need to be staked?

Like tomatoes and peppers, eggplants should be staked for optimum growth and yield (Figure 2). Staking keeps the eggplant fruit from touching the ground, which reduces disease and improves fruit shape, particularly on elongated fruit.

What's wrong with my eggplant?

There are several eggplant diseases that affect these crops. Some of the most common include blossom end rot, wilt diseases, and various types of blight. ... Verticillium wilt is similar to bacterial wilt but is caused by soil-borne fungal infections. Plants may become stunted, turn yellow, and wilt.

What should you not plant next to eggplant?

Eggplant – A good companion for amaranth, beans, marigolds, peas, peppers, spinach, and thyme. Do not plant eggplants near fennel. Fennel – Not a companion for any garden food plant, fennel will actually inhibit growth in bush beans, kohlrabi, tomatoes, and others.

How many eggplants do you get per plant?

Recommended Varieties

The standard eggplant produces egg-shaped, glossy, purple-black fruit. 'Black Beauty' is the traditional eggplant size. One plant produces 4 to 6 large rounded fruit.

Can you eat the skin of a Japanese eggplant?

The Japanese eggplant and the smaller varieties are not as bitter, so their skin doesn't need to be peeled and the extra salt preparation is not necessary. Sliced eggplant can turn brown quickly, so cook it soon or sprinkle lemon juice on it to keep the colour.

Do I need to soak eggplant seeds before planting?

Starting Eggplant from Seed

I recommend soaking your seeds in water for up to 24 hours. This can increase the amount of seeds that germinate and how quickly they sprout. Use organic potting soil if you are seed-starting indoors or in small containers to be transplanted outside.

Can you plant eggplant seeds directly in the ground?

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

Do eggplants like coffee grounds?

Unused grounds are very acidic. Only use fresh grounds on acid loving plants and even then, do so sparingly. ... Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium, and work as a great fertilizer.

Why is it called eggplant?

Well, way back in the 1700s, early European versions of eggplant were smaller and yellow or white. They looked like goose or chicken eggs, which led to the name “eggplant.”

Can you grow eggplant from cuttings?

To cut off some of the time it takes to cultivate eggplants, some gardeners opt to grow them from cuttings instead of seed. To grow eggplants from cuttings, first take your cuttings from existing plants at the end of the growing season and start them indoors. ... Do not put more than two or three cuttings in each jar.

Is eggplant a fruit or vegetable?

Fact: While it's generally thought of as a vegetable, eggplant is actually a fruit. The eggplant, aubergine, melongene, brinjal or guinea squash is a plant of the family Solanaceae. Eggplant is grown for its usually egg-shaped fleshy fruit and is eaten as a cooked vegetable. Some even consider it a berry.

What is the best fertilizer for eggplant?

Start by working lots of compost into the soil, plus 2 to 3 pounds of a complete fertilizer like 15-5-10 per 100 sq. ft. If you prefer, use an organic fertilizer like blood meal, well-rotted manure, cottonseed meal, or bat guano. Burpee's Big Boy Tomato Food is also super for growing eggplants.

How much space do eggplants need?

Space eggplants 18 inches apart, in rows 30 to 36 inches apart.

Does eggplant like full sun?

As a basic rule of thumb, vegetables grown for their fruit or roots—such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, potatoes, or carrots—require full sun, which is defined as a garden location that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day.

Why do my eggplant flowers keep falling off?

Eggplant Blossoms Drying Out from Lack of Water

When an eggplant plant is stressed, its blossoms will dry up and drop off without producing fruit. The most common reason a eggplant gets stressed is due to a lack of water. ... of water a week, more in very hot weather.

How do you get rid of bugs on eggplant?

Nematodes will get the flea beetles before they even have a chance to jump on your eggplant. Diatomaceous Earth is an organic powder that can be effective in killing flea beetles. Just sprinkle the eggplant with this powder and it will kill the flea beetles.