Eggplant is a staple vegetable in many home gardens, yet growing it is not always easy. Understanding a few essential care techniques can make eggplant cultivation more successful. Continue reading this guide to learn the key methods for boosting eggplant yield:
Planting Seeds at the Right Time
It is recommended to start eggplant seeds indoors in a sunny location or under grow lights for about 8–10 weeks before the expected last spring frost. Eggplants thrive in warm conditions, and planting too early often results in tall, weak stems at the expense of fruit production.
Fertilizing Eggplant at the Proper Stage
Eggplants should be fertilized about six weeks after planting, especially when the plants begin to flower and set their first fruits. They benefit greatly from additional nutrients. You can apply organic fertilizer as a side-dress around the plant or use water-soluble plant food dissolved in water to deeply soak the plant.
A second round of fertilizing is recommended in late summer when the plants carry a heavy load of fruit. Eggplants grown in containers require more consistent feeding, but they are also prone to salt buildup from fertilizers. This may stunt growth, so containers should be flushed with clean water every two weeks to remove accumulated salts. Organic fertilizers made from fish or seaweed are preferred because they contain lower salt levels than most synthetic fertilizers.
Monitoring Temperature Carefully
Climate plays a significant role in eggplant fruiting. Eggplants are sensitive to cold temperatures and frost. They require average temperatures between 21°C and 30°C, and soil temperature should not fall below 20°C. Cold conditions during the growing season will stunt growth and significantly reduce yield.
Planting High-Yielding Small-Fruit Varieties
Eggplant varieties that produce small to medium-sized fruits are often the most productive. Examples include the Asian variety Ping Tung Long, as well as Millionaire, Bonica, and other oval-shaped cultivars known for abundant fruit production.
Tips to Increase Eggplant Production
- Harvest fruits frequently. Picking eggplants daily encourages the plant to produce more.
- Maintain adequate moisture during flowering and fruit development. Plants require about 2.5 cm of water per week.
- Use mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Bee pollination increases fruit size and quantity. Hand-pollination can be done for small gardens by dipping a dry brush into open flowers or gently touching and vibrating the flowers to mimic bee activity.
