Eggplant is a nutritious, versatile vegetable with a glossy, usually purple skin and a mild, slightly bitter flavor. It's often used in casseroles and Mediterranean dishes.
Solanum melongena – Aubergine (Eggplant)
Solanum melongena, commonly known as eggplant or eggplant, is a popular vegetable known for its rich flavor and firm, meaty texture. Eggplant produces glossy, firm fruits with a full flavor and creamy texture when cooked. They are ideal for grilling, roasting, baking, or frying and are perfect in dishes like ratatouille, eggplant parmesan, and baba ganoush.
various
shapes and colors, with the most common being oblong and deep purple. The fruits typically range from 15 to 30 cm in length, depending on the variety.
Growing eggplants:
Eggplant plants are bushy and can reach a height of 60-90 cm. They require support with stakes or a cage to bear the weight of the fruit. Harvest takes place approximately 70-85 days after planting.
Sowing and Planting:
Sow eggplant seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. Maintain a temperature of 24-27°C (75-80°F) for optimal germination. Transplant the seedlings to the garden when they have at least two true leaves and the soil temperature is consistently above 21°C (70°F). Plant the eggplants 60-90 cm (24-36 in) apart in rows 90-120 cm (36-48 in) apart.
Pollination and Care
Eggplants are self-pollinating, but you can encourage fruit set by gently shaking the plants to spread the pollen.
Harvesting Eggplants
An eggplant is ready to harvest when it has reached its mature size and the skin feels shiny and firm.
At Easyseeds.nl, we offer only the highest quality eggplant seeds, carefully selected from trusted European growers. Our seeds are known for their excellent germination rates and strong, healthy plants. Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned professional, our eggplant seeds will help you grow a bountiful crop of rich, flavorful fruit that thrives in a variety of climates.
Eggplants love warm weather! For the best results, start planting your eggplant seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Once the outdoor temperatures are consistently above 18°C (65°F), it's time to transplant your seedlings into the garden. Be sure to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for the best growth.
Eggplants need plenty of room to spread their roots and grow healthy, strong plants. Space each plant at least 45 cm apart in rows. If you're planting in containers, choose pots that are at least 30 cm deep to give the roots room to expand. Eggplants benefit from good air circulation, so ensure there's enough space between plants to allow for proper airflow.
Eggplants typically take 70 to 90 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. After transplanting, you can expect to see fruit begin to form within a few weeks. Harvest your eggplants when the skin is glossy and the fruit feels firm but slightly soft to the touch. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.
Yes! Eggplants are well-suited for container gardening. Choose a large container (at least 30 cm deep and 40 cm wide) with good drainage. Make sure to place the container in a sunny location, as eggplants need plenty of sunlight to grow successfully. Containers also allow you to move plants around to find the best light and temperature conditions.
Eggplants thrive in full sunlight (at least 6 hours a day) and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Adding organic mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and prevent weed growth. Eggplants are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so ensure they are planted after the last frost and protected from any sudden cold snaps.
Once harvested, eggplants should be used within a few days for the best flavor and texture. If you need to store them for a bit longer, place them in the refrigerator. For long-term storage, you can freeze eggplants, though they should be blanched before freezing to preserve their texture and taste.
