Eggplant (US, Canada, Australia), aubergine (UK, Ireland) or brinjal (Indian subcontinent, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa) is a plant species in the nightshade family Solanaceae. Solanum melongena is grown worldwide for its edible fruit.
| Eggplant | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Solanum |
| Species: | S. melongena |
| Binomial name |
Where is eggplant mostly grown?
New Jersey is actually called the “Garden State” for a reason and is known as the eggplant capital of the world — it’s where 66 percent of the world’s eggplants come from! Florida ranks No. 2 in U.S. in eggplant farming, where the crop plays a strong role in Italian cuisine.
Do eggplants grow above ground?
Does eggplant grow upright or is it supposed to fall into a vine and grow on the ground? It grows upright on a shrubby plant, but the fruit can get so heavy that it pulls the plant down. Use a plant stake or cage to hold the plants upright.
Where is the eggplant capital of the world?
New Jersey
Did you know that New Jersey grows about 66 percent of the world’s eggplants? It’s true! The majority of eggplant production is located in South Jersey, especially Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem and Atlantic counties, and smaller production sites are also located in Monmouth and Burlington counties.
Which state grows the most eggplant?
State of New Jersey
The top eggplant grower
According to the State of New Jersey Department of Agriculture, New Jersey is the top producer of eggplants in the Unites States. Harvesting 849 acres each year (as of 2019), New Jersey stands ahead of other leading producers like California, Florida, and Georgia.
Is eggplant difficult to grow?
Eggplants demand rich soil, even consistent water, warm temperatures, bonus side-dressings of nutrients, and little or no wind. They can be difficult to grow without these ingredients.
How many years do eggplants 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.
How long does it take to grow an eggplant?
around 70 to 80 days
Eggplants do not mature until around the 100-day mark, but you should not wait that long to harvest because young eggplants have the best taste. Prepare to harvest eggplants around 70 to 80 days after transplanting. If your eggplant is about six to nine inches and its skin is glossy, you can begin harvesting.
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.
Will eggplant survive the winter?
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!
How much water do eggplants need?
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. Irrigate so that moisture goes deeply into the soil.
Which country eats eggplant?
China
Eggplants and Geography
China leads the world in eggplant cultivation, followed by India, Egypt, Iran and Turkey. In the US, eggplant is a specialty vegetable, and the major states are Florida, California and New Jersey.
What is the biggest eggplant in the world?
The heaviest aubergine (Solanum melongena) weighed 3.362 kg (7 lb 6.6 oz) and was grown by Peter Glazebrook (UK) for entry in the CANNA UK National Giant Vegetables Championships, held at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, Worcestershire, UK, on 22 September 2022.
Who exports the most eggplant?
Below are the 15 countries that exported the highest dollar value worth of eggplants during 2021.
- Spain: US$216.5 million (36.6% of total exported eggplants)
- Netherlands: $98.2 million (16.6%)
- Mexico: $78.3 million (13.2%)
- United States: $32.4 million (5.5%)
- Iran: $31.7 million (5.4%)
- Turkey: $20.2 million (3.4%)
How are eggplants harvested?
Harvesting eggplants includes cutting a short piece of stem above the calyx (cap) attached to the top of the fruit. Use pruners or a sharp knife. Harvesting eggplants at their prime may take several days to a few weeks in succession, and frequent eggplant harvest promotes heavier yield of the fruit.
Which province is a top producer of eggplant?
Ilocos Region
Ilocos Region registered the highest production with 65.39 thousand metric tons, sharing 61.2 percent to the total eggplant production this quarter.
Is eggplant grown in Jamaica?
GROWN IN JAMAICA!!! Starlight Eggplant proudly grown in Jamaica. Excellent quality, great texture and taste to satisfy. your pallete.
What animal eats eggplant leaves?
The types of animals that can devastate your eggplant crops are the usual suspects like rabbits, squirrels, deer, rats and raccoons.
Do eggplants need full sun?
S. melongena thrives in full sun, with a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day, and fertile, well draining soil with a pH between 5.5-7.2. As members of the Solanaceae family, along with peppers and tomatoes, it’s no surprise that eggplants prefer hot weather.
Can you plant two eggplants together?
apart is fine, although 2 ½ feet (76 cm.) apart will keep you from accidentally breaking branches as you are harvesting your eggplant fruits. If you are planting lots of eggplant and need rows, leave an area 30-36 inches (76-91.5 cm.)
How many eggplants do you get from one plant?
The standard eggplant produces egg-shaped, glossy, purple-black fruit. ‘Black Beauty’ is the traditional eggplant size. One plant produces 4 to 6 large rounded fruit.