Supplemental light isn’t necessary until the seeds have germinated, but I start it right away. This mimics the ideal growing conditions for eggplants and helps promote bushy, sturdy growth. Twelve to 14 hours of bright light will help prevent the plants from getting leggy. I set my lights 6 inches above the flats.
How do you speed up eggplant germination?
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.
How do you germinate eggplant seeds indoors?
Sow eggplant seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-90°F. Sow seeds 1/4″ deep. Seeds will sprout in 6-21 days.
Why won’t my eggplant seeds germinate?
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.
Is eggplant hard to grow from seed?
Eggplant is easy to grow as long as the plants get enough light and heat. How long does it take to grow eggplant? In general, it takes 100 to 120 days to go from seed to harvestable eggplants.
How long should I wait for seeds to germinate?
Seeds with delayed breaking of dormancy generally take 3-8 months to germinate. Seeds usually germinate within 2-6 weeks at 75-85F. Variable, some seeds sprout within 1-3 weeks, others take much longer. Soil must be at 70-85F for reliable germination results.
How do you start an eggplant indoors?
Start eggplant seeds indoors up to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Plant the seeds 1/4inch deep, water after planting and cover loosely with plastic to retain moisture. Transplant the seedlings to the garden when soil temperatures reach 60 degrees.
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.
Is Epsom salt good for eggplant?
As the plants grow, they need an even moisture supply. They do well with a drip irrigation system, but many watering methods work. When the first blossoms appear, spray the plants with a seaweed extract with one teaspoon of Epsom salts dissolved per gallon. The solution improves fruit set.
How long do eggplants take to sprout?
7-12 days
Optimal soil temperature: 24-32°C (75-90°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-12 days.
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.
When should I start my eggplant seeds?
Plan to start your seeds 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date. That will allow your plants enough time to become sturdy. Bottom heat is essential to reach that goal. Heating cables help, but they may not suffice, since most are set for 70°F and eggplant prefer it a bit warmer, ideally 75°F.
Can you direct sow eggplant seeds?
Eggplant seed can be sown directly in the garden if the soil temperature is warm enough—and there are enough days in the season for plants to reach maturity. Seedlings started indoors should be kept under grow lights or in a sunny window after germination.
Why are my seeds not sprouting?
Too much or too little water is the most likely reason for seeds not germinating. With too little or no water, seeds remain dormant. With too much water, seeds become susceptible to rot or infection from soil-borne fungi (also referred to as “dampening off”).
Why are my eggplant seedlings dying?
The most common causes for dying eggplants are watering issues, temperature problems, lack of sunlight, or eggplant pests and diseases.
Can I 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.
How deep do you plant eggplant seedlings?
Start eggplant seeds about eight weeks before planting outside. Plant seeds one-fourth inch deep, in flats containing sterile, soilless germination mix. Use a heating mat to keep the flat at 75°F to 85°F until seedlings emerge. Carefully monitor potting mix moisture, as heating mats will dry the mix out faster.
How often should eggplant be watered?
Watering Eggplant
Plants that receive inadequate water will develop small, bitter fruit. Keep eggplant happy with at least an inch of water per week, and up to two inches during the hottest stretch of summer. If it has rained any less than an inch in a week’s time, make up the difference with supplemental irrigation.
How do you prepare eggplant seeds for planting?
There’s no particular eggplant seed preparation necessary prior to sowing. Eggplant seeds germinate at temps between 60-95 degrees F. (15-35 C.) and seedlings will emerge in seven to 10 days.
How do you tell if a seed has germinated?
While the speed of germination varies slightly across varieties, seeds should absorb moisture within two days and produce a root and the first leaf within four days. At this point, the seed is considered to have germinated.
Which seed takes longest to germinate?
Which of the common vegetables to plant take the longest to germinate? Asparagus has a relatively long germination period, taking from 21 to 28 days to do so.