Eggplant
Solanum melongena
History
Eggplants began its history as ancient chinese medicine. over 2 thousand years ago the Chinese had used eggplant to Treat swelling and relieve heat from the body. As it spread throught the middle easr and europe it wasnt until the pursians first begun to use it for culinary purposes. it was slow to gain popularity in europe due to a belief that it help poisonus properties but that changes when people began veiwing it as and aphrodisic strictlty for it shape.
Growing conditions
Sunlight
Needs atleast 6 hours of direct sunlight
Temperature Range
60F-85F
Soil Conditions
Loamy soil.
Water
1 to 2 inches of water per week.
Water the plants regularly keeping soil moist not soggy.
Nutrients
10-10-5 for vegitation
5-10-10 for flowering
pH
5.5-6.5
Plant care
Sowing Seeds
Plant seeds 1/4" to a 1/2" deep and space them 18 to 36 inches apart. Cover with straw to help retain moisture.
Germination
Seeds can take 3 to 10 days to germinate
Pruning
Remove the lower nodes of the plant to aid with airflow. Removed larger old leaves that are taing energy from the fruit
Harvest
Eggplants with develop a glossy coat when it is close to harvest. When the eggplant is both glossy and slighty spongy but firm they are ready to harvest
Growing Tips
Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Avoid planting with other nightshade plants to help control pests and diseases.
If in ground avoid planting in the same spots every year to help prevent diseases.
Garden plotter quick facts
Spacing
10" to 16"
Water needs
Moderate
Sunlight
Full Sun
A warm-season crop producing juicy red fruits.
