Growing Eggplants from Seeds

How to grow aubergines / eggplants from seeds

If you have already successfully grown chillies, bell peppers and tomatoes, you can also try your hand at eggplants. These solanaceous plants have similar needs but you should also pay attention to a few special requirements.

Location

Eggplants are even more heat-loving than chilli peppers. They need a full-sun, wind-protected location outdoors or in a greenhouse. It makes sense to grow them in a tub, then you can bring them inside again on rainy or cool days. They also need a loose, nutrient-rich soil and regular watering.

Sowing

Eggplant must be started from seed indoors, preferably from mid-February, early March, in any case 8 - 10 weeks before your last spring frost date. We recommend growing trays that are filled with growing soil. Then place the seeds covering with a soil layer of approx. 5 mm. Keep the soil moist (but not wet) and warm - a permanently warm temperature of at least 20° C, preferably a little more. You can use a heating mat with thermostat or set the germination tray over a warm surface like the fridge or close to the heating system. Discontinue heating after you see the first leaves. If you continue to provide heating after the leaves start to form the saplings will turn leggy. When the plants are about 5 - 7 cm tall, you should separate them.

The most important thing with aubergines: do not plant them outdoors too early! If the temperature fluctuates too much, there is a risk that the buds or fruit set will fall off. They should either be planted in a greenhouse or in the warmest and sunniest spot in the garden. They also feel at home in a tub on a south or west-facing terrace or balcony.
Before transplanting the young plants in their final location, you will need to harden the plants. This is done by gradually exposing them to the sun. Start with a maximum of 2 hours and slowly increase to 8 to 10 hours. Eggplants need a spot where they receive a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight per day. If the plants are in the shade they will not yield fruit.

Spacing

Aubergines like a distance of at least 50 cm from other plants. They should never be grown together with potatoes, tomatoes, peppers or Physalis.

Care

Aubergine plants should be fertilised regularly or supplied with manure and rock powder. Especially from the time of fruiting onwards, they should be given weekly doses of fertiliser or plant manure to meet their increased nutrient requirements. The soil should also be kept evenly moist. A stick serves as a support for the plant. For a strong bushy growth you can remove the main shoot at a height of 30 cm so that the plant grows wider. A large harvest cannot be expected in our latitudes, it may be useful to leave only 5 fruit sets on a plant.

Protection against pests and diseases

Common pests are aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. Aphids can be rinsed off with a sharp jet of water or sprayed with soapy water. Against whiteflies, yellow stickers are helpful. Spider mites can be repelled with a neem spray.

Harvest

Harvesting starts from August, noticeable when the aubergines turn a shiny colour. If you leave them hanging too long, they can become slightly bitter.