Quick Answer: How Do You Grow Ornamental Eggplant?

Ornamental eggplant is grown just as you would any other eggplant or tomato. The plant likes full sun and well-draining soil. Start seeds inside about 6 weeks before the average last frost for your area with temps of at least 75 F.

Do eggplant plants come back every year?

The plant is in the same Solanaceae family as tomatoes and peppers, so it may grow from year to year, depending on the climate. However, the old plants and the new ones initially grew at the same rate and yielded the same number and size of fruits.

Does eggplant plant need a trellis?

Yes, it’s wise to create a support for eggplants. Staking eggplant keeps the fruit from touching the ground, which in turn, reduces the risk of disease and fosters fruit shape, especially for elongated eggplant varieties. Staking eggplant also makes for easier harvesting.

How do you grow an eggplant step by step?

Using your fingers, push 1-2 eggplant seeds into the growing medium in each individual seed container. Make sure that the seeds are about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) under the surface of the growing medium. Cover over the seeds and mist or sprinkle water onto the surface. Let the seeds germinate for 5-14 days.

How big of a container do you need to grow eggplant?

Choose a large pot with a 5-gallon (18 L.) capacity. Growing eggplant in containers requires 12 to 14 inches (31-35 cm.) of space per plant or three plants can be placed in a 20 inch (50 cm.)

Do eggplants need to be pruned?

As eggplant is in the nightshade family, pruning eggplant plants is beneficial to fruit growth, similar to pepper plants or pruning tomato plants. Afterward, consistently prune through the growing season with a pair of hand shears. The sprouts that grow between the central stalk and leaf nodes are called suckers.

How long does it take for eggplant to grow from flower?

How long does it take for eggplant to grow after flowering? Depending on the variety and the region in which you are gardening, different cultivars of eggplant will develop mature fruit within 50 to 80 days after flowering.

Do eggplants need a tomato cage?

Eggplants are prone to falling over when loaded with fruit, so you may want to tie plants to stakes to keep them upright. You can also use small tomato cages to support the plants.

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.

Can eggplant and tomatoes be planted together?

Tomatoes are often used as eggplant companions. Again, be sure not to shade the eggplant. Potatoes and spinach are also said to make great companion plantings too.

Can you grow eggplant in containers?

Even if you garden in a small garden bed, or grow your vegetables in containers on the patio or balcony, you can grow eggplant. Plant one eggplant per container, 2-gallon minimum. Fill the container with a high quality potting soil that will drain quickly.

Where is the best place to plant eggplant?

Choose a very sunny spot for the best results. Eggplant grows best in a well-drained sandy loam or loam soil, fairly high in organic matter. Soil pH should be between 5.8 and 6.5 for best growth. Use a covering of black plastic mulch to warm soils before setting out transplants.

How much water do eggplants need?

Watering. Eggplant also needs consistent water, at least 1 inch per week. It is better to give one thorough soaking than several frequent, short waterings, because frequent watering promotes shallow roots. Weather and soil type, of course, will affect water demand.

Can you grow eggplant in a 5 gallon bucket?

Eggplant Another member of the nightshade family, eggplants can also be grown relatively easily in containers. You can place a single plant in a 5 gallon bucket, and this should give it enough space and sufficient nutrients, as long as you feed and water well over the summer months.