How to Grow…..
Aubergine/Eggplant
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Plant name :
Aubergine/Eggplant - Solanum melongena
Situation :
Full sun
Size ( h x w ):
60 - 120cm x 60 - 80cm
Spacing between plants :
40 - 60cm
Temperature requirements :
Daytime temperatures should be around 22 - 26°C, and night temperatures no lower than 15°C. If lower night temperatures are likely then protect the plants.
pH :
5.5 - 7.0
Germination time :
Sow from seed in February or March and expect germination in 8 - 10 days, with temperatures around 25 - 30°C
Aquaponic method :
Media beds.
HOW TO GROW
Growing in Aquaponic systems :
Aubergine has a large root system, and is only really suitable for media beds when grown in an Aquaponics system. This plant has high nitrogen and potash requirements, so take this into consideration when planning your planting scheme. This will help avoid nutrient deficiencies arising which could be detrimental to other plants. You can expect 10 - 15 fruits per plant if they are happy.
Growing Conditions :
Aubergines love warmth, and thrive in warm temperatures, but watch out when the temperature goes over 30°C, this could limit their potential.
Growing Instructions :
Once the aubergine seeds have germinated you can transplant them when they have 4 - 5 leaves, in the spring. Beware of late frosts and protect accordingly. Pinch out the growing tips when the plant is around 30cm tall to encourage branching, and remove side-shoots after 5 - 6 fruits have set. ( to help with fruit setting you can give them a fine misting. ) Towards the end of the summer season start taking off any new blossoms to enhance the ripening of existing fruit.
Harvesting :
Pick the fruit when they have have reached 10 - 15cm in length when the skin is shiny, dull skin will indicate that the fruit is overripe. You should remove the fruit with a sharp knife, leaving at least 3cm of stalk attached to the fruit.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pruning :
Can be grown without pruning
Pests :
Watch out for: lacebugs, flea beetles, tomato hornworms, mites, aphids and cutworms.
Diseases :
Be aware of: Blossom end rot, Bacterial wilt, Phomopsis blight, Phytophthora blight, Southern blight and Verticillum wilt. Good plant management will help to eliminate, or prevent the risks of disease.
IF YOU
HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PLANT, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW. THANK YOU.
I Love Aquaponics....
