Growing eggplant in containers requires 12 to 14 inches (30-35 cm.) When potting mature seedlings or purchased starts, mix an all-purpose fertilizer into your potting soil at the beginning of the season. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Eggplant is a short season vegetable How to grow eggplant from seed and transplant in gardens. Eggplant is easy to grow, and some varieties are so beautiful they can be used as ornamentals. If you’re new to growing plants and have not grown them much– purchase a few seedlings of your favorite eggplant variety. On a sunny day, soil temperatures inside black pots may be 10 degrees or more higher than in-ground soil temperatures. If you see tiny round holes in the leaves of the plants early in the season, you could have flea beetles, but again, this is not likely to happen with potted plants that use a sterile potting soil. Choose seeds depending on the variety that you would like to plant. You have more flexibility with container-grown plants, but the same general timeframe is recommended, to take advantage of the full growing season. Growing eggplant from seed requires some care, but it is worth the effort because there is a huge variety you can buy in seed form, while nurseries often carry only a few types. In this episode we plant eggplant seedlings in containers. You can begin fertilizing once each plant has a set of true leaves, starting with a fish emulsion or kelp solution diluted to one-quarter strength, once a week. If you are using a very light soil, you will have to water enough times during the day so that the soil does not completely dry out. As the plants grow and bear, they will need support. After preparing the seeds, prepare the container that you will use. It’s ideal for container growing. Although it is quite challenging to grow eggplants from seeds, this is the common option for many home gardeners. A good rule of thumb is to pick eggplant when the skin appears glossy and the fruit has a little give when you squeeze it. Growing Eggplants. There are so many ways to cook eggplant, really, there is no best way to cook it. Soak the seeds overnight to prepare them for planting. Anticipate eggplant flea beetles. Because eggplants are a pretty large vegetable, they need lots of room to grow and spread out. Eggplants in pots are as easy to grow as tomatoes in pots. It is imp… There are cultivars, however, that have been developed to be compact as an answer to the growing number of small space gardeners. Toss the eggplant with a little olive oil, some kosher salt, and pepper. This avoids disturbing the roots once the plant is established. But, if you want to experience the full flavor of a freshly picked garden eggplant, simply roast it. Learn how to grow these plants easily in a pot. Your goal is to keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet. Fairytale, Bambino, and white eggplants are all great choices for container planting too. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. Give each plant at least a foot and a half of space. If you intend to transplant your seedlings to the garden, start the seeds 8 to 10 weeks... Potting or Planting Eggplant Seedlings. If you wish to plant eggplant from seeds be sure to plant 2 seeds in each container, as this will likely ensure at least one will grow. Moisten the soil with a spray bottle (the watering must be very gentle until the seeds germinate). Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! You can plant three eggplants in a 20-inch pot. Also, eggplant, like tomatoes, are heat lovers. Plant in organic-rich well-drained soil. It will be grown by many of us for its edible fruits. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, How To Grow Herbs Indoors on a Sunny Windowsill, Vegetable Seeds or Seedlings? Then, plant 1 to 2 seeds in each container and wait for the seedlings to sprout, which can take up to 2 weeks. Once you decide on the size of your eggplant container, you can opt for a glazed or unglazed surface. Hi Home Gardeners, today we discuss growing brinjal in pots. of space per plant or three plants can be placed in a 20-inch (50 cm.) Brinjal which is also called as Eggplant or Aubergine is a perennial plant which belongs to the family of Solanaceae. Here are a few of our favorite eggplant varieties for planting in pots: Prone to nasty, soil-borne verticillium wilt, this disease should not be a problem if you use a high-quality potting soil. It can be white, purple, almost black, bright green, and speckled. They thrive in the heat and need to be exposed to high temperatures both day and night. With the rise of upside down gardening, traditional container gardening has expanded its previous barriers. Growing eggplant in containers requires 12 to 14 inches (30-35 cm.) If you are growing eggplant in a pot or container, it is also a good idea to use some type of mulch, like straw or wood chips to cover the soil, which helps to keep the soil moist. Water well to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches so the soil is moist but never soggy. Turn the pieces once or twice until the eggplant is brown and soft. Best Type of Container. Once the plants start to grow, it is a good idea to stake your eggplants before they get too large. Choose a big container, at least a 5 gallon capacity pot or container. Plant one eggplant per container, 2-gallon minimum. The flowers are gorgeous, and the eggplants look like little (or big) molded sculptures. I feed my eggplants once or twice during the growing season with a light application of fish emulsion, manure tea, or compost tea. The following eggplant varieties are not only easier than some to grow, but they have a flavor that you’ll love. You do not want to pick eggplant before it is ripe. Repot eggplant seedlings into larger pots filled with potting soil or the same mix the seeds were germinated in. Choose a large pot with a 5-gallon (18 L.) capacity. Each eggplant needs 12 to 14 inches to grow in a container. Plant the eggplant at the same level they were in their nursery pots and put a handful of time release fertilizer in the hole at the time of planting. container. Once the seeds have germinated (typically 7 to 14 days), uncover the container and move it to a sunny window for maximum sun exposure. For the best results, fill a seed tray with a non-soil growing medium, like vermiculite or compost. This … Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Modern breeding programs are answering the call of the limited space gardener. Increase the time outdoors each day for about one week, then it should be safe to move them outdoors for the growing season. Specific recommendations for growing container eggplant Use one plant per 12-14" container. Because eggplant really needs warm soil to grow well, gardeners in cool climates often do best growing the plants in large, dark-colored containers. Larger plants will grow in containers as well, but you’ll need to trellis them. Eggplants are relatively easy to grow in containers, but they are susceptible to many garden pests. Globe eggplants are traditional large purple or… Choose a large pot to house your mature eggplant. The best medium for container grown eggplant is two parts good quality potting soil and one part sand. Leave on the skin and cut it into small pieces about a half-inch square. If you remember to water, choose the unglazed pot. Fairy Tale – One of my favorite types, this prolific plant bears small, slender, light-purple fruits with white splotches. You can also build a bamboo cage or use a coated metal tomato cage. For bigger fruits, restrict to five or six per plant. I've been trialing heirloom eggplant seeds for the last 2 years and growing them in large self-watering containers that I purchased at WalMart. Also, read the instructions from the manufacturer to learn how to properly take care of the plant. Growing Eggplant in Containers From Seed Be sure to start seeds when temperatures reach 64F, which would typically be about late February or April. When the weather warms to daytime temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, harden off the plants by moving them outside for a few hours during the warmer time of the day. Start the seeds in small pots or cell packs filled with a bagged or homemade seed-starting mix. Place a few seeds in each cell or pot, and cover gently with 1/4 inch of soil. Growing eggplant would be ridiculously easy if not for eggplant flea … In the heat of the summer, depending on your pot size, that may mean you need to water your plant twice a day or more. Florida friendly varieties of eggplant are Astrakom, Bambino, Black Beauty, Casper, Dusky, Green Goddess, Ichiban, Long. Growing eggplant in containers is an easy way to add this wonderful vegetable to your own gardening repertoire, if you’re not already growing it. Most are heavy, dense fruits on medium to large sized bushes which wouldn’t be appropriate for container grown eggplant. These smaller plants provide a means to growing eggplant in containers. Any one of the varieties recommended at the end of this publication will grow well in this size pot. Lay it in a single layer in a baking pan. The pot must have a 5-gallon (20-liter) capacity, … Planting when the soil is cold will shock the seeds and will delay the germination process. Most globe type eggplants I've grown couldn't tolerate the summer heat - they grow best during the cooler months. See to it that the seeds are disease-free. Once the plants have sprouted and have at least four leaves, they can be transplanted into the desired containers. If you intend to transplant your seedlings to the garden, start the seeds 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Wait to plant until the weather is reliably warm at night, a consistent 55 degrees. Eggplants are also good for container growing, with one plant per 5-gallon pot. Two-ring tomato cages work best. Nurture your eggplant sprouts for 8 to 10 weeks before moving them to the garden or taking them outdoors in permanent containers. Eggplant needs a fast-draining potting soil, but also one that will not dry out too fast. Any eggplant suits container growing, but the heirloom and smaller varieties perform particularly well. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Seedlings can be transplanted to the garden in about two months, or they can be grown to maturity in a large container. Make sure they get at least six hours of unobstructed sun per day—the more sun the better. Growing Eggplant in the container, make sure the container is large in size, and filled with soil. If this is the route you wish to go, you will need a pretty large container. While it is possible to grow just about any eggplant variety in a container assuming you have the space and time to care for it, there are certain varieties that are easier to grow in cramped spaces than others. Pinch out the terminal growing points for a bushier plant. 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If you are a forgetful waterer, choose the glazed pots. A 5-gallon bucket is the minimum I would recommend for growing eggplants. Clay or plastic pot will be good choices. Unglazed pots dry out more quickly than glazed pots, but they also allow the evaporation of excess moisture. Growing eggplants in pots is possible in two ways– Either start them using seeds or buy the seedlings from a nearby nursery or garden center. If the conditions are too cold, the plants will fail to thrive. This ensures adequate nutrients and water retention while encouraging draining of excess moisture. Eggplant varieties differ in size, shape, color, and maturation time. How To Grow Eggplant From Seed and in Containers Germinating Eggplant Seeds. Transplant seedlings grown in separate containers without disturbing the roots. Slowly acclimate plants to the outdoors over a week or so. Most varieties will be fine tied to a piece of bamboo or a wooden stake sunk deeply into your pot. Diligently protect outdoor plants from cold in spring. Eggplant starts are the best way to go unless you live in a sunny climate as they will give you a jump start on the growing season. The varieties include Fairy Tale, Hansel, Gretel, Rosa Bianca, Little Fingers, and Orient Express. If you remember to water, choose the unglazed pot. It can be round, long and thin, or pear-shaped. You can choose containers made from different materials, but the terracotta pot is the best. Updated video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHwVlZo-0l0 Tips on growing great looking eggplants in containers. Larger plants will grow in containers as well, but you’ll need to trellis them. They should germinate in 7-14 days. This helps to supply potassium, which the plants need to keep producing fruit. Keep an eye on the plastic covering. If you let the pot dry out too much—sometimes even once—it can mean the end of your dreams for perfect, unmarred fruit. This disease is fairly common in traditional garden soil. Unglazed pots dry out more quickly than glazed pots, but they also allow the evaporation of excess moisture. Look for the word “compact” in the plant’s name. You can eat it right out of the oven or cold the next day. Two-ring tomato cages work best. If growing eggplant in containers, stake the stems before the fruit forms. Eggplant comes in a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes. Plant transplants of tomato, pepper, eggplant, and in late August, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Fertile and Well-Draining Soil: Starting with the right potting soil will keep your … You can also plant up to three plants in a 20" pot. They need large enough containers to support the roots of such a heavy plant, a well draining medium, extra food and consistent water and, of course, the right container. Just like tomato transplants, eggplants need to be hardened off before planting. It should have condensation on its underside; if not, mist the soil with water and recover the container. Also, consistent watering is key to continued eggplant health. Long and slender, the Ichiban eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a good crop to grow in outdoor gardens or containers in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4-10. container. Mulch immediately after transplanting, and gently hand pull … Plant in at least 7-8 hours of sun. Look for the word “compact” in the plant’s name. To grow eggplant, start by planting your seeds 6 to 9 weeks before the last frost is expected. of space per plant or three plants can be placed in a 20-inch (50 cm.) Find Out Which Is Best for Your Garden, Vegetable Container Gardening for Beginners, Cucamelon (Mexican Sour Gherkin) Plant Profile. Eggplants are sun lovers. And if you’re not growing eggplants yourself from seed, your local garden center should be able to supply you with all … Unglazed – These containers absorb … Container grown eggplant require large pots to facilitate their growth and provide room for the small bushes. This makes eggplant a popular vegetable to grow in containers because you can always move them around for the best view. Make certain there are large, unblocked drainage holes. Most healthy plants, however, will recover from the leaf damage. Eggplants are versatile fruits that belong to the nightshade family along with tomatoes and other fruits. Kerry Michaels is a writer and photographer with several years specializing in gardening and landscape design. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. https://www.thespruce.com/growing-vegetables-in-containers-1403373 waiwai08/getty. Rosa Bianca and Black Beauty are perfect for making Eggplant Parmigiana. Potting mix (1 part of the soil, 1 part of organic fertilizer, and 1 part of peat moss) is good for container planting. Sign up for our newsletter. Eggplant Care One of the most important elements of container grown eggplant is the container. Water the pots well and install a small support system, like a tomato cage. Drought tolerant but for happier plants water regularly. Cover the planters with a plastic bag or film, and set the pots on top of the refrigerator or on a heat mat; the ideal temperature for germination is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that the pot has large drainage holes as well – this is very important. Eggplants are one of the few vegetables that are easier to maintain when placed in containers as opposed to extensive vegetable gardens. Growing Brinjal in Pots. If you have something more significant, use it. Generally, pick it when it is on the smaller side. For general feeding, apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every other week during the growing season. 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All-Purpose fertilizer into your pot unblocked drainage holes as well, but growing eggplant in containers and... Extensive vegetable gardens sunny day, soil temperatures consistent 55 degrees and a half of per... Be fine tied to growing eggplant in containers piece of bamboo or a wooden stake deeply... To 10 weeks before the last 2 years and growing them in self-watering... Support system, like vermiculite or compost sun per day—the more sun the.! The pot has large drainage holes as well, but the terracotta is. The soil is cold will shock the seeds overnight to prepare them for planting grown could n't the! Too fast as easy to grow eggplant, really, there is best! Small, slender, light-purple fruits with white splotches season vegetable how to grow these plants easily in large. Oil, some kosher salt, and shapes outdoors in permanent containers plants to. Your dreams for perfect, unmarred fruit water the pots well and install small... 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