![]() Once he is ready to drop the seeds, Ryan places a marker into one of the cells, so it is clear what variety is growing in what row of each tray.Įvery year, we plant both favorite varieties as well as ones that are new to us. If you’re not sure, check online or ask garden center associates when the last frost usually occurs in your location. Seeds are usually started about two months before the last frost in the area. Ryan labels the seed markers and keeps them together with the matching packets. This can be done pretty quickly, even with multiple trays. Next, Ryan creates a quarter-inch deep furrow in the middle of each compartment by pressing a finger gently into each cell. Once all the packets are organized, Ryan determines what order the eggplant seeds will be started in the trays depending on how long it takes each plant to germinate. When starting from seed, it is best to use a pre-made seed starting mix that contains the proper amounts of vermiculite, perlite and peat moss, available at garden supply stores. We seed many plants, so Ryan works in a production line manner in order to get as many trays started as possible.īecause I share a lot of eggplants with my family, we plant several trays and several varieties. The soil should be level with the top of the tray. Ryan fills the seed starting tray with mix and pats it down lightly into each compartment. They come with rounded cells in trays of 24 or 38 each.Įach cell is a couple-inches deep and recommended for a variety of vegetable seeds including our eggplants. Select the right kind of tray based on the size of the seeds. Seed starting trays come in all different sizes and depths. Once they arrive, Ryan sorts them according to type. Every year, I get a wide selection of both flower seeds and vegetable seeds from Johnny’s. Harvest time for eggplant will be between 70-90 days from transplant date.Johnny’s Selected Seeds is a privately held, employee-owned organic seed producer in Winslow, Maine. Although eggplants are heavy feeders, avoid those that are high in nitrogen, which will encourage foliage growth and not fruit. Thereafter, the plants will require moderate irrigation and a bi-weekly feeding. Transplants should be set about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm.) apart in rows 30-36 inches (75-90 cm.) apart. To reduce the risk of disease, eggplant crops should be rotated every few years and it does well following beans or peas. You can also use an organic mulch to retain moisture, but don’t apply it until the soil is warm. Consider using a raised bed or black plastic mulch to aid in warming the soil and speeding up growth. Once your eggplant seedlings are ready to move outdoors, choose a full sun area with a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.0 (acidic to neutral). Cool temperatures will weaken the plants, and frost will kill them. Wait until the weather has settled, with no chance of frost and the soil is warm before transplanting. Harden off the seedlings carefully by gradually reducing ambient temps and easing off on watering. Two weeks after germination, fertilize the seedlings once a week with a soluble fertilizer - 1 tablespoon (15 ml.) of fertilizer to one gallon (4 L.) of water.Įggplant seedlings will be ready to transplant in six to eight weeks. Use a dome or cloche to retain heat as well as humidity to encourage germination when eggplant seed planting indoors.Īt optimal conditions, the growing eggplant seeds should germinate within seven days. Eggplant seed planting should occur four to six weeks before your last frost date.Īlthough eggplant seeds are tiny, sow the seeds about ¼-inch (6 mm.) deep with good quality potting soil in flats or cell containers. When starting your eggplant seeds indoors, be sure you have an area to germinate them that is quite warm, 80-90 F. Starting seeds indoors is most common, although if you live in an extremely warm, humid region, planting eggplant seeds directly in the garden may work. When growing with eggplant seeds instead of nursery starts, the seeds will remain viable for about four years. (15-35 C.) and seedlings will emerge in seven to 10 days. ![]() Eggplant seeds germinate at temps between 60-95 degrees F. There’s no particular eggplant seed preparation necessary prior to sowing. Native to Asia, this tender annual requires full sun, well-draining, slightly acidic, fertile soil and a long growing season. ![]() Eggplant Seed PreparationĮggplants, with dramatic foliage and colorful fruit, are not only a great choice for a veggie garden, but an ornamental specimen as well. So how to grow eggplant from seeds? Read on to learn more. These veggies are usually transplanted rather than directly sown in the garden. Eggplants are a heat-loving vegetable in the Solanaceae family that require two or more months of night temperatures around 70 degrees F.
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