Growing Eggplant in Containers is an easy space-saving process. Follow the simple tips and techniques and grow fresh aubergines.
Learn Growing Eggplant in Containers in a limited space with this comprehensive guide, and have delicious eggplants on your balcony or patio.
Common Names: Berinjela, Brinjal, Aubergine, Eggplant, Baigan, Vankaya, Berengena
Botanical Name: Solanum melongena
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Eggplant Profile
Eggplant, scientifically known as Solanum melongena, is a vegetable plant that belongs to the same family as tomatoes and peppers, called the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is native to South and East Asia, specifically originating from China and India.
In terms of appearance, eggplant is characterized by its smooth and glossy purple, black, or sometimes white skin, depending on the variety. The shape of the fruit can vary; it can be oblong, round, or elongated.
When grown outdoors, eggplant plants can reach a height of about 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm). However, newer dwarf and compact cultivars are available, making it easier to grow them indoors or in limited spaces. Indoors, they usually stay around 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall, making them suitable for container gardening.
The fruit of the eggplant is the edible part and is commonly used in various cuisines around the world. It has a soft, creamy texture when cooked and absorbs flavors well, making it a versatile ingredient in many dishes.
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How to Grow Eggplants in Containers
Growing eggplants in containers can be done in two ways. First, you can start by planting seeds or, if you’re new to gardening, buy small eggplant plants from a nearby nursery or garden center. This makes it easier for beginners. But if you want to try growing from seeds, don’t worry; it’s still quite straightforward!
When to Plant
Normally, people transplant eggplant seedlings into the ground during spring when the risk of frost is gone. But if you’re growing eggplant in pots, you can plant them in the summer or early fall. Just be prepared to move the pots around to control the temperature, especially at night when it gets colder. In warm climates without frost, you can even plant them in winter.
NOTE: This vegetable plant is more vulnerable to cold temperatures than tomatoes and peppers.
Starting Eggplants from Seeds
- First, you need to get high-quality eggplant seeds. You can find a variety of eggplant seeds in gardening stores or online. Choose a variety that suits your preferences and the growing conditions in your area.
- Use a seedling tray or small containers to sow the seeds. Fill the containers with a seed-starting mix or a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Make sure to plant up to two seeds in each section of a seedling tray or directly in each container.
- Keep in mind that eggplant seeds need more warmth to sprout compared to tomatoes and peppers.
- So, if you feel it’s not warm enough outside (around 68°F or 20°C is good for eggplant seeds), you can start them indoors in containers to help them grow.
- Eggplant seeds usually take about 7 to 14 days to germinate, depending on the temperature and seed quality.
- Once they’ve sprouted and grown four leaves, you can move them to the containers where you want them to grow.
- Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, you need to acclimate them to outdoor conditions gradually.
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Ideal Pot Size for Growing Eggplant
If you’re growing a small eggplant variety, you’ll need containers that are 12 to 14 inches deep and wide. For larger varieties, use a 20-inch-deep pot.
You can grow one small plant in a 12- to 14-inch pot or one large plant in a 20-inch pot. If you want a bigger harvest, you can also choose to grow two small plants in one 20-inch pot.
Best Eggplant Varieties for Growing in Containers
1. Finger Fruit Purple
The ‘Finger Fruit Purple’ eggplant variety grows and spreads to a size of 18 to 24 inches, which makes it perfect for growing in a container.
This heirloom type takes about 65 days from germination to reach maturity.
2. Fairy Tale
This type of eggplant produces long fruits, approximately four to five inches long and one to two inches wide.
For a sweet, mild, and juicy flavor, harvest them when they are the size of a finger.
3. Rosa Bianca
This Italian heirloom eggplant produces round fruits that are about five to six inches long and wide when fully grown. It takes about 80 to 85 days from germination to reach maturity.
Growing Conditions for an Eggplant in Containers
Location
Keep the pots in a place with good air circulation, where they get direct sunlight and some breeze. Eggplants need a lot of warmth and sunlight to grow, so a spot facing west or south is suitable.
Soil
Growing eggplants in containers need plenty of nutrients and soil with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Use nutrient-rich soil, ideally loamy soilless potting mix. Make sure the soil can hold enough moisture, as eggplants like that.
To improve moisture retention, add plenty of compost or aged manure to the soil.
Water
When growing eggplant, water them thoroughly and regularly, but be careful not to water them too much. They should have some time to dry out slightly between each watering.
Temperature
Your plant can survive if the temperature goes below 65°F as long as it doesn’t reach freezing levels. However, during this time, it may stop producing flowers and fruit. If the temperature drops to 32°F or below, the plant won’t survive.
While growing eggplant in containers, watch the weather forecast regularly to ensure the temperature remains suitable for your plant.
If a short-lived freeze is expected, you can protect your plant by adding an extra three-inch layer of mulch and covering it with a row cover. You can also move pots to a garage or any sheltered areas in cold spells.
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Auberine Care
Fertilizer
Once the plant starts flowering, apply fertilizer as instructed on the fertilizer bag. Since eggplants need a lot of nutrients, use a fertilizer with high phosphorous, like the 5-10-5 (NPK) ratio or a similar one. You can also use a balanced fertilizer if you prefer.
If needed, you can also spray liquid plant food, which is called foliar feeding, on the leaves of your plants.
Mulch
Put straw, leaves, or pesticide-free grass clippings on top of the soil around your plants. This will help keep the soil at the right temperature.
Pruning
Growing eggplant in containers is similar to growing tomatoes. While pruning and removing suckers are unnecessary, doing so can help improve productivity. Once the plants are mature, you should watch out for suckers and remove them.
Also, make sure to remove yellowing or diseased leaves and tall, lanky branches that are obstructing growth and productivity.
Staking
If needed, use stakes or a tomato cage to support the branches that have a lot of fruit on them. This will stop the branches from breaking under the weight of the fruit.
Pests and Diseases
The most common pests for eggplants are the black flea beetle and aphids. These insects feed on the leaves, but if the plant is healthy, they usually don’t cause much harm.
Another common pest is the cutworm. It cuts the plant at its base, but you can prevent this by using a cutworm collar or removing them yourself.
Eggplants are generally easy to grow because they don’t get affected by diseases often. It’s best to avoid using chemical pesticides to control pests.
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Harvesting
When the eggplant fruit is about one-third to half its full size and has a shiny surface, it’s time to pick it!
Don’t expect to find huge eggplants like the ones in the grocery store. Each variety grows slightly differently, and they taste better if you pick them before they fully mature. Plus, when you pick a few, the plant will focus more on producing new fruits.
To harvest, wear gardening gloves first, as eggplants can have thorns on and around the stems.
Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the stem about an inch or two away from the fruit.
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Recipes and Cooking Ideas with Eggplants
Eggplant Parmesan: Sliced eggplants are breaded, fried, and layered with marinara sauce and melted cheese, then baked until bubbly and delicious.
Baba Ganoush: Roast eggplants until tender, then blend the flesh with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to make a creamy and tasty Middle Eastern dip.
Eggplant Stir-Fry: Cut eggplants into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry them with other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Add your favorite stir-fry sauce for a quick and healthy meal.
Grilled Eggplant Sandwich: Grill thick slices of eggplant and use them as a flavorful and meaty layer in a sandwich with fresh vegetables and your favorite spreads.
Ratatouille: This classic French dish combines eggplants with zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs, creating a delicious and hearty vegetable stew.
Rollatini: Roll up ricotta cheese and herb filling in roasted eggplant slices, top with marinara sauce and cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly.
Lasagna: Use thin slices of grilled or roasted eggplant instead of pasta sheets to create a lighter and gluten-free version of lasagna.
Eggplant Fritters: Make a batter with eggplants, flour, and spices, then fry spoonfuls until crispy and serve them as a tasty appetizer or side dish.
Remember, eggplants are versatile and can be used in various cuisines and dishes, so don’t hesitate to experiment and explore different cooking ideas!
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FAQs
Q.1. Can I grow eggplants in containers indoors?
Yes, growing eggplant in containers indoors is possible. Provide sufficient sunlight or use artificial grow lights to ensure they get at least 6-8 hours of light daily.
Q.2. Can I Grow Eggplants in Containers if I Have Limited Space in My Garden?
Yes, growing eggplant in containers is possible in compact spaces. Choose dwarf varieties, and you are good to go.
Q.3. How Big of a Container Do I Need for Growing Eggplants?
While growing eggplants in containers, choose around 12 inches deep pot with a 5-gallon capacity for each plant. Large cultivars will need big pots.