Eggplant

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Solanum melongena, except where otherwise noted (S. gilo).

CULTURE: Eggplants require fertile, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.2-6.8.

SEEDING: Sow 4 seeds/in., ¼" deep, and maintain soil temperature at 80-90°F (27-32°C) until emergence and 70°F (21°C) thereafter.

TRANSPLANTING: After true leaves form, thin to 2-3" apart in flats or transplant into 2-3" pots or plug trays. To harden plants, reduce water and temperature to about 60°F (16°C) for about a week before planting out. Space transplants 18" apart in rows 30-36" apart, or 2 rows on plastic mulch, 18-24" between plants. It is important to be mindful of over-fertility. Too much nitrogen often results in large, bushy plants that produce only one small set of fruit.

HARVEST: Clip fruit stem with shears. Pick fruits of desired size regularly to encourage further production.