Growing eggplants

Growing from seeds

Starting in early spring in Simons Town, I use peat pots, and a grow lightbox to grow eggplant seeds. They usually germinate within seven to ten days. I also purchase eggplant seedlings from time to time. I look for high-quality specimens, avoiding tall, spindly plants or young plants with blossoms.  

Planting and growing eggplant seedlings

I grow eggplants in raised beds in my small garden in which the soil is well-drained and organic with a pH adjusted to .between 5.8 and 6.5.  

I aim to obtain seedlings 3- to 4-inch tall and set them 1½ feet to 2 feet apart after weeding out the weaker plants. Being a small garden, I only grow 6 to 10 plants.

I stake the plants immediately an inch or two from the plant to support them as they climb to avoid disturbing the soil later. I then set a dripper hose or a low sprinkler to ensure regular watering by my automated irrigation system. Eggplants require moderate fertilizer, and I apply a general fertilizer 5-10-10 throughout the planting bed about a week before planting.

Pollination  

Flowers contain both female and male structures and may be self-pollinated or cross-pollinated.  However, the flowers are relatively unattractive to bees, and the first blossoms often do not set fruit. Hand pollination with an artist's paint brush improves the set of the first blossoms. 

Harvesting

Harvesting usually takes place in mid-to-late summer. 

I cut fruits from the vine just above the calyx to avoid harming the plant owing to the somewhat woody stems.