Sow eggplant seed ¼ to ½ inch deep spaced 4 to 5 inches apart. Most eggplant seeds germinate in 6-12 days. Thin plants to 6 inches apart if the weather does not allow transplanting before plants grow 5 to 6 inches tall. Set eggplants into the garden 18 to 24 inches apart.
How do you get eggplant seeds from eggplant?
Slice open the eggplant and separate the flesh from the seeds. Put the seeds in a bowl of water and wash the pulp away. Strain the seeds, pat them dry, and spread them out on a tray to dry not more than two seeds thick.
Do eggplant seeds germinate?
Eggplant seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days, depending on the heat, moisture provided, and moisture content and age of the seed. Seedlings with two sets of leaves can be transplanted into 4-inch or 2-by-2-by-6-inch pots two to three weeks after germination.
Can I grow eggplant from eggplant?
To grow eggplants from cuttings, first take your cuttings from existing plants at the end of the growing season and start them indoors. Wait a couple of weeks after the last frost to ensure that warm weather is on its way before moving them into the garden as eggplants need warm soil in order to grow.
Do you have to dry eggplant seeds before planting?
If you want viable seeds that you can use next spring, make sure the seeds are thoroughly dry before storing them. Store in a cool place out of the sun where the humidity can be maintained between 20 and 40 percent. Eggplant seeds typically take two to four weeks to dry.
How do you germinate eggplant seeds quickly?
I recommend soaking your seeds in water for up to 24 hours. This can increase the amount of seeds that germinate and how quickly they sprout. Use organic potting soil if you are seed-starting indoors or in small containers to be transplanted outside. Sow eggplant seed ¼ to ½ inch deep spaced 4 to 5 inches apart.
Do eggplants grow back every year?
Eggplant plants can come back every year but they usually won’t. Eggplants rarely survive long past the harvest months. A perennial plant eggplant is a rarity outside of tropical climates. Eggplants can come back every year in ideal, tropical conditions.
What month do you plant eggplant?
Sow and Plant
Sow indoors 6 weeks before last spring frost, or buy seedlings in late spring. Transplant to larger pots if needed. Plant out in late spring, when the weather is settled and warm.
How many seeds does it take to grow an eggplant per hole?
2-3 seeds
Exceptions to The Rule
Like most things in gardening, there are always exceptions to this rule of 2-3 seeds per hole. If you’re planting large seeds like cucumbers, melons, or pumpkins, you should only use one seed per hole.
How do you grow store bought eggplant?
You can directly sow the seeds in a damp soil. I like to at first germinate them by keeping them in a wet cloth for few days in a damp shaddy area. After, the seeds germinate, carefully take them out and transfer to a pot or container or wherever you want to grow. When often do you need water your eggplant plant?
Are eggplants difficult to grow?
Thanks to their broad leaves, eggplant seedlings grow quickly, gaining size faster than tomatoes or peppers. If you have a long, warm growing season and use a split season planting plan, you can start seeds in midsummer for a fall crop. Set out the seedlings out during a spell of cloudy weather.
How do you save eggplant seeds?
Eggplant seeds should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag, and placed in a cool, dark, and dry place. Always make sure your seeds are completely dry before you store them to avoid them getting moldy.
Do eggplants grow roots from the stem?
Solanaceous vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) can generate new roots from both the existing transplant root system and also from stem tissue. Stem generated roots are called adventitious roots and in solanaceous transplants they can grow at any place along the stem above the root system.
Should eggplant have seeds?
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a fruit, rather than a vegetable, and belongs to the nightshade family. Depending on the variety, they can be black, purple, white or yellow. All eggplants contain many soft, small, edible seeds.
How tall do eggplants grow?
Plants can grow 2 to 4 feet tall and wide, which means they need to be staked. Eggplants also thrive in heat like their close relatives tomatoes and peppers, so they go outside until after cool spring temperatures pass.
Do eggplant seeds need to be fermented?
Fermentation is required for tomato seeds and is helpful for members of the squash family, as well as eggplants. It can increase germination rates and kill some seed bourn pathogens. To ferment, squeeze the seeds and any surrounding gel or pulp from very ripe fruits, into a jar with enough water to cover the seeds.
What is the shape of eggplant seeds?
Today, the colors (purplish black, red, white and variegated), shapes (egg-shaped, elongated, and round), and niche varieties (Asian and minis) are more popular and abundant than ever. Check out these varieties.
Can you germinate eggplant seeds in paper towel?
I get so excited gardening, I often go overboard, so it’s good to know what’s what and when you first planted them! Plant those with the longest time to germination first. I found the paper towel / plastic baggie method very helpful in speeding up germination for peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant especially.
Can you grow eggplant indoors?
Growing eggplants inside is a bit tricky because it is difficult to provide enough heat and candle hours of light. The obvious solution is to build a grow system that not only enhances heat but includes grow lights. It still might not result in fruit, but you will have an elegant eggplant as a houseplant.
Why are my eggplant seeds not sprouting?
Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant seeds won’t sprout if they’re sown in cold soil. For these, I recommend a heat mat to provide additional ambient warmth. If it’s too hot, many greens won’t sprout, so I make sure to keep them away from heat mats. When planting outdoors, a soil thermometer can come in handy.
How many years does an eggplant live?
How long do eggplant plants live? Eggplant plants can live up to three years in very warm climates, like zones 10-12. But in most regions they’re grown as annuals, and only live for one season.