Eggplant Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Eggplant Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Eggplants

Planting Schedule:
Begin sowing eggplant seeds indoors four weeks after the last frost date, ensuring a warm environment with bottom heat to aid germination.

For best results, aim for a soil temperature of 24-32°C (75-90°F). Seeds typically sprout within 7-12 days.


Seed Starting:
Plant seeds at a depth of 5mm-1cm (¼-½") in individual peat or coir pots to minimize root shock during transplanting. Move seedlings outdoors once nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 10°C (50°F), spacing them 45-60cm (18-24″) apart.

Medium-sized pots (3-5 gallons) are ideal for each plant for container gardening.


Growing:
Maintain a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.0. Enrich the soil with lime and compost three weeks before transplanting to ensure ample phosphorus and calcium. At transplanting, incorporate ¼-½ cups of complete organic fertilizer under each plant.

Protect young plants with a clear plastic cloche or floating row cover to retain warmth, which is crucial for fruit sets. When given adequate heat, eggplants thrive and produce abundantly through summer into early frost.


Harvesting:
Encourage ripening of existing fruit by removing blossoms 2 to 4 weeks before the anticipated first frost. Harvest fruit once it reaches at least half its mature size, promoting a continued yield.

To harvest, use scissors or secateurs to carefully cut the fruit from the plant, avoiding the stem's sharp spurs. Regular harvesting keeps plants productive and prevents seeds from overdeveloping inside the fruit.

Eggplant Pests & Diseases

Verticillium Wilt:
A critical threat to eggplants, Verticillium wilt, necessitates immediate action. The affected plant and the soil around its roots should be promptly removed and destroyed if an infestation is detected.

Prevent future occurrences by rotating crops and avoiding planting eggplants in areas previously occupied by tomatoes, peppers, or strawberries, as these can harbour the pathogen.


Tobacco Mosaic Virus:
This virus causes young growth to deform and leaves to display a mottled yellow pattern.

Prevent transmission by thoroughly washing your hands if you've come into contact with tobacco products before handling eggplants. Additionally, managing aphid populations is crucial as they can spread the virus.


Aphids:
A strong jet of water directed at the plants early in the day can effectively dislodge aphids.

Monitor plants for beneficial insects such as lady beetles and lacewing larvae, natural predators of aphids, to encourage a balanced ecosystem on your eggplants.


Flea Beetles:
To mitigate flea beetle damage, maintain weed-free surroundings and employ row covers after planting to shield young plants. Remove covers when temperatures rise or flowering begins to ensure proper plant growth and pollination.


Colorado Potato Beetle:
Early detection and manual removal of beetles, their larvae, and eggs are the best defences against these pests. Regular inspection of eggplants can prevent significant damage and control beetle populations effectively.


Cutworms:
Place cardboard collars around the stems of transplants to protect young eggplants from cutworms. This barrier prevents the cutworms from reaching and damaging the plants at the soil level.