How to Grow Eggplants

Very versatile in the kitchen, they lend themselves to many different preparations, from parmigiana Meatballs, eggplant Eggplants are the star vegetables of the summer season and a veritable powerhouse of health-boosting properties. Originally from China and India and introduced to Italy in the 1300th century, eggplants are a purple vegetable with an oblong or oval shape. They're low in calories and rich in important minerals and vitamins. Made up of 92 percent water, eggplants are a perfect food for those who follow a strict diet. low-calorie diet. And again: eggplant reduces the cholesterol in the blood, normalizes liver functions and is able to stimulate metabolism and the nervous system: therefore a valid ally in cases of obesity, hypothyroidism and constipation. However, avoid excessive consumption in case of gastritis and gallstones and kidney stones and especially if you suffer from hyperthyroidism, heart disease, insomnia and states of mental agitation. Why not try growing eggplants directly in your garden or in a pot on your balcony? The process is simple and doesn't take long. Before you start growing, it's important to know that eggplants need a climate with nighttime temperatures that don't drop below 12 degrees Celsius, which is why they're mostly grown in central and southern Italy.

Index of topics

The terrain

To begin, make sure the soil where you plan to grow eggplants is tilled well before planting and that it is well-drained. To fertilize the soil, you can also try our natural and DIY remedies.

Sowing and transplanting seedlings

If you opt for sowing, the best period is January/February in warmer climates, March in colder climatesSowing takes place in a heated and sheltered seedbed: to encourage germination, try storing the seeds in a damp cloth for about a week before planting. If you decide to start growing from seedlings, after purchasing them from a nursery, simply transplant them into the ground or into a pot. The key, to encourage their growth, is to arrange them in rows, spaced 40-50 cm apart. Create small furrows in the soil, position the seedlings, and then cover them by gently pouring in soil. Also remember to place a wooden or iron support next to each seedling to support it as it grows.

Watering and weeding the soil

Watering should be fairly frequent at the beginning, at least 2-3 times a week. However, avoid wetting the leaves to prevent the proliferation of fungi. parasitesSubsequently, it will be sufficient to water the plant whenever the soil feels dry. During the summer, however, remember to water the seedlings every day with modest amounts of water. Periodically, use a hoe to loosen the surface soil to ensure better oxygenation and eliminate weeds. And don't forget to protect the plant from high and low temperatures with mulch.

Collection

Harvesting generally takes place between the end of August and the first half of September. Eggplants in particular are harvested when their peel They lose their characteristic brightness and tend to become opaque: even if they haven't reached a satisfactory size, keeping them on the plant for too long only results in a loss of quality and flavor. Eggplant fruits are harvested when they are not yet fully ripe, that is, when the seeds are not yet present and the flesh is firm. To remove the eggplants from the plant, use a sharp knife or scissors.

How to grow eggplants in pots

When growing eggplants in pots directly on a balcony or terrace, the process requires a pot with a diameter of at least 40-50 cm, as does the height. Choose seedlings directly, one per pot, and if you're not using a dwarf eggplant variety, provide the plant with a suitable support. Even when growing in pots, watering must be regular and thorough, avoiding the leaves.

How to help eggplant plants grow?

If you help eggplant plants grow properly and at the right time with natural remedies, you can enjoy their fruits until Christmas. Eggplant plants can reach a height of 80-100 centimeters, but the first pruning should be done a few months after growth and before they reach 30 centimeters.

What to prune?

The upper part, with what is called the pruning of the plant.
The axillary buds.
The yellow leaves.

This way, the fruits will be more numerous and larger. At the same time, add well-draining soil for growth and nettle macerate to protect the plant from external aggressions. The eggplant plant should always be supported with a cane or small stick, and the cleaning process should be repeated throughout the year.

How long does an eggplant plant last?

The biological cycle of an eggplant plant, if there are no extraordinary events, it lasts even more than six months. And it is divided into two phases, vegetative and productive.

La vegetative phase It begins with the transplant and continues until the first flower appears: it lasts from 50 to 80 days.
La productive phase instead it is variable, and in general the first harvest arrives 80-90 days after transplanting.

The falling of flowers

Flower drop isn't a true eggplant disease, but its effects are devastating nonetheless. It means giving up and wasting the fruit. The main cause is excessive heat, and in fact eggplant plants have been suffering particularly since the beginning of the climate emergency. The ideal temperature for an eggplant plant ranges between 15 and 30 degrees., when it goes above this level the flowers begin to fall before fruiting. Other causes of flower drop are excess nitrogen in the soil and a lack of water, which is why the eggplant plant should be watered at least two or three times a week.

Using aubergines in cooking

It's truly difficult to find a more widely used and versatile product in the kitchen than eggplant. There are super classic dishes: from eggplant parmigiana to pasta alla norma. Risotto and lasagna. Then there are... recipes More imaginative options, like meatballs and a special recipe with eggplant peels. Finally, eggplant preserves in oil and tuna salad with eggplant.

How to grow eggplants in pots or in the garden