Eggplant
Solanum Melongena L.
Eggplants are known to be a "Vegetable" but are actually fruits!
Seed Harvesting Difficultly - Easy (Green)
Planting Difficulty - Moderate (Grey)
Planting Instructions
Recommended time for planting is May-June.
3 seeds per 1/4 inch holes, spaced 1/2 inches apart from each other.
Row spacing should be approximately 2 feet apart.
Ideal temperatures range from 70-80 degrees.
Should be planted rich organic soil, within a pH range of 5.5-6.5.
Growth Information
Germination period is from 10-20 days.
Thin seedlings when they are 2-3 inches in height.
Add manure, or rich sandy soil, to ensure nutrients to the Eggplant.
Use a dripping method of watering, or water 1-2 inches per week to ensure moisture in the soil.
Estimated time until harvest is 80 days.
An eggplant is annual which means you will need to replant it every year!
Harvesting Tips
When the skin of the Eggplant is glossy, and thin it is ready to harvest.
Use a sharp knife, to cut a little bit above the fruit to collect.
Handle with caution when harvesting due to the irritation of small spikes from the Eggplant's stem.
Be careful when handling the fruit, as it bruises fairly easy.
Harvesting Seeds
Cut open the fruit, and scoop out the seeds, rinse under water to separate the seeds from the flesh.
Another option is to let the fruit rot, and drain the seeds, and rinse with water.
Allow the seeds to dry and keep in a dark, cold, air sealed environment.
Fun Facts
Eggplants were once used to die teeth for fashion.
The most nicotine recorded in a fruit was in an Eggplant.
The Eggplant is closely related to tomatoes, and potatoes.
History of Eggplants
The Eggplant originally was found in China, and India.
It was brought over to the Americas in 1500's.
Health Benefits
Contains a great source of Vitamin A & C, which helps protect cells from damage.
Helps process sugar faster, from a natural plant chemical called polyphenols.
Egg plant may also help protect DNA from cancer.
The best zone to grow egg plant is in from zones (5-12). Due to the acceleration in growth in warmer climates.
