Eggplants usually grow for only a single year before dying. This member of the nightshade family is one of the shorter-lived fruit plants. If you live in a tropical climate, the eggplant may produce fruit for 2–3 years. These purple fruits will ripen July through October.
How long does Japanese eggplant last?
The stem end should be brightly colored. Stored unwashed, unwrapped, and uncut in the vegetable drawer of the fridge, Japanese eggplant will keep for a good three or four days.
How long can eggplant plants live?
three years
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.
Will eggplant come back every year?
You sure can!
It’s called overwintering. And, if your climate is warm enough (or you can keep the plant warm enough) you can keep your same eggplant plant alive for years to come. You can do this with a variety of other plants too, such as peppers (hot or sweet), tomatoes, & okra!
What is the life cycle of eggplant?
Adult Plants – It takes eggplant 70 to 120 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety. When mature, they have a main stem and several stems that branch out. The stems grow large, leathery leaves that are oval shaped. Some varieties of eggplant leaves can be spiny or hairy.
Do eggplant plants keep producing?
Eggplant tastes best when harvested young. Then, the plant’s energy will go into producing new fruit. If you harvest early and often, the plant will be quite prolific.
When should I pick my Japanese eggplant?
Signs of Ripe Japanese Eggplant
It should be shiny and firm. If you press your finger on the skin, it shouldn’t leave a dent in the flesh. Pick your eggplants before while they’re still young for the best flavor and texture. They should only be from 3 to 6 inches long, which is young enough for the sweetest flavor.
Are Japanese eggplants perennial?
Eggplants are perennial, warm-weather vegetables from the nightshade family that are ideal for grilling, pickling, and incorporating into dishes like stir-fry and baba ghanoush.
How tall does Japanese eggplant grow?
The plants grow about 2 feet tall and wide, and produce gorgeous dark, deep purple eggplants with matching purple calyxes. These slender fruits grow about 9-10 inches long, and have a mild delicate flavor.
How long will an eggplant produce fruit?
Eggplants usually grow for only a single year before dying. This member of the nightshade family is one of the shorter-lived fruit plants. If you live in a tropical climate, the eggplant may produce fruit for 2–3 years. These purple fruits will ripen July through October.
How do you prune Japanese eggplant?
After the eggplant begins to flower, clip the lower leaflets from the main branch. Removing these leaves boosts air circulation and allows light to penetrate the canopy. Continue to prune away suckers throughout the entire growing season to boost plant vigor and increase food production.
How do you take care of Japanese eggplant?
Planting and caring for Japanese eggplants is no different from caring for other eggplant varieties. Eggplants require a sunny location, well-drained sandy loam or loam soil, and lots of organic matter such as compost or aged manure. Aim for a soil pH of about 5.8 to 6.5 for best growth.
Should eggplant plants be pruned?
With adequate protection from frost, however, eggplants will grow for several years. This means they can get very large, and sometimes more than a little leggy or worn out. To ensure a strong plant and maximum fruit production, eggplant pruning is a good idea in the long term.
How many eggplants do you get per plant?
Eggplants typically grow 18 to 36 inches tall with a spread of 24 to 36 inches. Each plant bears between two to 12 fruits, although this number varies based on the variety and growing conditions.
Do eggplants survive winter?
In a nutshell, your eggplants can survive winter weather, but not on their own. Eggplants are perennial plants which means that they regrow every year. Eggplants never stop growing all year. Many perennials are accustomed to winter weather and become dormant during colder months.
How long does it take eggplant to mature after flowering?
50 to 80 days
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.
How do I get my eggplant to produce more fruit?
If you have poor fruit set, hand-pollinate the flowers to help increase production. Use an electric toothbrush to vibrate to flower stems (not the flowers themselves) for a few seconds each to help the pollen move within the flowers. 9. The more frequently the fruits are harvested, the greater the fruit set.
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 big should an eggplant be before you pick it?
You can harvest eggplants any time that you see it, starting when it’s only an inch or two long.
What should you not plant next to eggplant?
What Not To Plant With Eggplant. Do not plant fennel near your eggplant. Fennel inhibits growth in many plants, including eggplant. Geraniums can host diseases that also affect eggplant such as leaf blight and root rot, so it is best to avoid planting them with eggplant.
How often do you water Japanese eggplant?
Water eggplant deeply and infrequently, applying 1-2 inches per week. Use drip irrigation if possible. Mulching around the plant will conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth.