Solanum melongena
The purple , Pyrus communis - shaped fruit expose in the green goods section of the foodstuff store only tells a small part of the eggplant ’s history .
Native to Asia , where it ’s still find oneself growing unwarranted as a perennial , Solanum melongena has been used for thousands of year .
And while mostly enjoyed for its edible fruit , it has a story of medicinal enjoyment as well .
Photo by Felicia Lim.
Vegetative parts and roots from wild eggplant species , includingSolanum americanumandS. insanum , have been documented as a sedative and in the intervention of tegument issues , such as roseola and sore .
We link to vendors to help you see relevant merchandise . If you buy from one of our links , we may earn a commission .
Crushed seeds from multiple mintage were once used to treat odontalgia .
Photo by Felicia Lim.
And the fruit of the common eggplant we know today , S. melongena , is said to have a number of likely health welfare , like alleviating liver issues .
give its rich account , it ’s no surprise that this tender - time of year crop has become a backbone in the kitchen .
Fried , sauteed , baked , breaded , stuffed , or roasted , this versatile eatable can easily serve as the main dish or as a side .
With so many varieties to pick out from and a number of ways to include them in your carte , eggplant makes a great summation to any summer veg garden .
Eggplants typically grow 18 to 36 inches tall with a spread of 24 to 36 inches . Each plant bear between two to 12 fruit , although this number deviate based on the variety and farm conditions .
Keep reading to learn how to produce this summertime - know beauty for yourself .
What You’ll Learn
Cultivation and History
People have appreciated the various nature of eggplant for thousands of years .
In “ History and Iconography of Eggplant , ” an clause indite forChronica Horticulturae , the diary of the International Society for Horticultural Science , Marie - Christine Daunay and Jules Janick explain that “ Eggplant was domesticated from wild forms in the Indo - Burma region with indications that it was cultivated in ancientness . ”
Daunay , a French scientist who speciate in veg in the Solanaceae family and eggplant in particular , and Janick , a professor of gardening at Indiana ’s Purdue University , also pen that eggplant is belike native to a wide region encompassing India , Myanmar , Thailand , Laos , Vietnam , and China , and can be discover growing waste in all these piazza .
Over fourth dimension , the yield made its way to Europe , appear in various Ketubim and instance of the Medieval era and before . In his 1597 ledger , Gerard ’s Herball , the English herbalist Thomas Gerard listed it as the “ Madde Apple , ” andwrote this in his verbal description :
“ Raging Apples hath a round stalke of two foot high , divided into assorted branches….the floures [ are ] of a blank color , and sometimes change into purple , made of six contribution wide open like a star … which being retiring , the fruit follow in property , specify in a cornered loving cup or huske after the manner of expectant Nightshade , expectant and somewhat long , of the bignesse of a Swans egge . ”
you’re able to see where the plant life catch its name ! The reference to the “ great Nightshade ” is telling , because some people believed that eggplant bush was poisonous likeAtropa Atropa belladonna , or “ virulent nightshade , ” another member of the same flora house .
This is perhaps why Gerard called eggplant the “ Madde Apple , ” and why he writes , “ doubtlesse these Apples have a mischievous qualitie , the use whereof is utterly to bee forsaken . ”
This , despite acknowledging that “ The people of Toledo eat on them with nifty devotion . ”
He finishes his treatise on eggplants with this word of advice : “ It is therefore better to value this plant and have it in the garden for your pleasure and the rarenesse thereof , than for any vertue or good quality yet knowne . ”
gratefully the people of Toledo were right about mad apple , yes ? Who else feels bad that Gerard missed out on this scrumptious kickshaw ?
While the yield of this works take many dissimilar forms , each cultivar or hybrid come from the same species , S. melongena .
Propagation
you could startS. melongenafrom come or nursery starts . Seed to harvest usually takes between 100 and 120 days , so timing is cardinal .
From Seed
If you ’re going to produce your own from ejaculate , you ’ll need tostart them indoorseight to 10 weeks before the average last icing engagement in leaping for your area .
Sow seeds in moistened seed starting commixture , just quarter of an inch deep , and keep grunge evenly moist but not waterlogged .
Germination can take a while to occur if the soil temperature is below 80 ° fluorine , so you may wish to invest in a heating gym mat .
It will also help to cover seed trays or containers with plastic wrap to hold back heat and moisture .
If the filth is warm enough , sprouting should occur within 10 days . Seeds will germinateas long as the soil is at least 60 ° F , but you may be waiting up to 21 solar day .
Once seedling have come out , come out the tray in the sunniest spot potential orunder a grow light . When plant life have a couple of true leaves you’re able to repot them into a gravid container filled with potting premix . When all danger of frost has passed , and seedlings are at least four inch tall , you could transplant them into the garden , after you have hardened them off .
harden off is the process of acclimating untested plants to outdoor weather condition . begin by placing your mass in a sheltered location in the garden for one time of day per daylight , gradually increase the metre spend outdoors over the course of a week or 10 daylight .
Transplanting
Nursery starts or seedlings can be transplant to the garden when all risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 ° fluorine . To be on the safe side , wait two to three weeks after your last frost day of the month before setting plants into the garden .
Prepare your planting area by work the soil six to 12 column inch deep and mixing in a couplehandfuls of compostand some landscape painting sand if you want to better drainage .
works seedlings or starts at the same astuteness as the container they were growing in and weewee in well .
Space plants 18 - 30 inch asunder , depending on the variety . You cancheck your seed packetor nursery tag for mature dimensions .
How to Grow
S. melongenathrives infull sun , with a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day , and fertile , well draining soil with a pH between 5.5 - 7.2 .
As member of the Solanaceae house , along with peppersandtomatoes , it ’s no surprise that eggplant bush prefer raging weather . But , they care it even hotter than their popular cousins .
Anything below 50 ° F and industrial plant will observably suffer , and a bout of frost will take them out tout ensemble .
For this intellect , you ’ll want to waitress until breeze temperature are consistently warm , at least 65 ° F , to move seedlings or nursery start outdoors .
Raised beds are a with child optionbecause the ground warm up quicker . At the beginning of the time of year , you’re able to also pose black charge card over the soil to get the temperature up .
The sweet spot for yield yield is between 70 and 85 ° farad . If you endure in an area where cooler summers are plebeian , try using a run-in coveror wicket house to trap heat .
Even though eggplant is known to flourish in hot weather , if temperatures are consistently above 95 ° F , plants will stop set up fruit .
Fertilizing and Compost
The best path to ensure fertile soil is tosend a sample to the prosfor a fertility analysis and to check the pH level .
If you waive a grunge test , keep an eye on your plants . If they are thriving , corking ! If they are n’t , and it ’s hot and cheery just how they care it , it may be the soil .
For the recollective condition , encourage good for you soilby rotating crops , using cover crop , and adding several inch of novel constitutive compost a couple times each class .
In the short term , consider applying three pounds of 5 - 10 - 10 plant food to every 100 substantial feet of planted area , or according to software instructions .
While eggplant bush are moderately heavy feeders , do n’t overdo it on the nitrogen or they ’ll grow an copiousness of foliage at the expense of flowers and fruit .
If profuse green leaves are out of control but there are very few flowers , too much nitrogen may be the issue .
Irrigation
Be mindful to urine sufficiently , specially when fruits are develop . These plants ask one inch of water per week , which may increase to two inches per week during hot , dry summers . utilise a rain gaugeto measure your rain , and providesupplemental irrigationaccordingly .
When watering , the soil should be be moistened down to about six inch in astuteness without being soggy and waterlogged .
If your plants show signs of wilt disease or foliage curl , they may need more water .
You should endeavor to irrigate your plant in the former sunrise hour if possible . Early morn reserve the bulk of the weewee to pawn in and any spare water to evaporate as the sunlight originate . If you are using a dipsomaniac hose , and not admit the foliage to become wet , you could water in the evening instead .
Either way , you do not desire the leave of your plants to remain besotted for long periods ; this invite the spread of fungal diseases .
Mulching
Using constitutive mulch will help to keep moisture levels by slowing evaporation and will allow you to increase the time between irrigation during juiceless spells .
Straw , pine needle , grass clippings , and barque can all beused as mulch . Keep any mulch away from plant life staunch as it invites animals such as mice and voles to attack your plant . It can also help the ranch of fungous and viral disease .
Staking
fruit are dense , so stakes plants from the get-go in the same means you would bet on a tomato plant . check that you do this at planting clock time to avoid damaging the roots subsequently on . you could also use supporting techniquessuch as the Florida weave .
This will keep leaves off the ground , which will serve to repress chances for disease and prevent fruits from becoming distort .
Pollination Considerations
eggplant , much like tomatoesandpeppers , have flower with both male and distaff parts and are view self - pollinating . However , current of air and pollinator can only help .
So , whilehoop housesand row covers are great cock , you may have a smaller harvest if you keep crops enclose throughout the entire growing season .
With that say , give plants a little handshake here and there to further improve chances for pollenation oruse our summit on hand - pollenation .
Container Growing
Eggplants grow well in container , too . Use a five - gallon container for each flora and fill with moistened potting mix .
You ’ll want to use a irksome - liberation , balanced fertilizerat the time of planting and supplementthroughout the time of year .
coarse-grained plant food isa good option for container plantingssince , in my experience , compost typically result in waterlogged soil over sentence .
Also keep in mind that land in container dry out faster than in the garden , so you will need to water more oftentimes .
Plants typically grow to be at least 18 column inch both wide and tall , so space fittingly to allow for airflow .
Learn more about how togrow garden egg in container in our guide .
Growing Tips
Cultivars to Select
White , yellow , green , and varying shades of violet yield come in a multitude of shapes and size of it , and are enjoyed all over the world .
Black Beauty
A good place to start might be the Greco-Roman ‘ Black Beauty , ’ a six - column inch , grim purple case that is well suitable to base gardens .
‘ Black Beauty ’ Eggplant Seeds
This is the classic western mad apple heirloom variety show that has been the standard for over a century . This cultivar generally yields four to six fruit per plant .
ejaculate in packet of various sizesare available from Eden Brothers .
Millionaire Purple
If foresighted and skinny is more your style , you might wish the ‘ Millionaire Purple ’ hybrid cultivar .
‘ Millionaire Purple‘Hybrid cum
These plants behave long , slender eight - inch fruit , with light to dark purple peel and the bod is about seedless . ‘ Millionaire Purple ’ can go from seed to maturity in just 55 days .
you may buy various sizes of germ packet at True Leaf Market .
Gretel
This petite 2005 All - American Selection winner produce livid , three- to four - inch fruits that are unfermented and tender - skinned .
‘ Gretel ’ cross
This hybrid miscellany bring about yield that has no bitterness and few seeds . This cultivar only grows to two and a one-half feet tall and encompassing making it perfect for container horticulture .
If you ’d like to grow several types of eggplant , this combo clique from Burpee contains four varieties .
Gourmet Blend Eggplant seed
You ’ll get just about 12 seed for each of these varieties : ‘ Black Beauty , ’ ‘ Snowy , ’ ‘ Purple Blush , ’ and ‘ Rosa Bianca . ’
purchase this choice at Burpee Seeds .
Managing Pests and Disease
I ’m always stunned at how pestis can sniff out their targets .
Flea mallet particularly have a tangible talent for finding any and every eggplant ever grow .
Okay – so that might be a little dramatic . But gravely , tiny holes puncture in the leaves let you live they ’ve found your hoard . But with some perseverance , they can be assure with constitutional methods or consider with by chemical pesticide .
Although many types of flea beetles can crunch on your crops , the eggplant flea mallet ( Epitrix fuscula ) is a particularly voracious eater ofS. melongenaas well as white potato .
Learn more about combating flea beetles with our guide .
Other pests that like to make a meal out of mad apple include cutworm and wanderer mites .
cutworm , which are moth larvae , do their harm at night , which is jolly obvious come dayspring .
Spider soupcon can scarcely even be understand and hide on the undersides of leaves . If you release over a leafage and see a white World Wide Web - similar residue , it ’s likely spider tinge .
as luck would have it , healthy plant can handle a few undesirable critter . mature them under quarrel covert until they ’re large enough to withstand harm .
If action must be adopt , view using diatomaceous earthor insecticidal Georgia home boy .
As for diseases , bar is primal .
Powdery mildewand verticillium wilt have been be intimate to affect eggplant and are unmanageable to control once present .
Verticillium wilting in particular is get by filth - endure fungi that can survive for more than ten years , even without a innkeeper present tense .
Once infected , remove plants straight off . Avoid growing host flora , which include other members of the nightshade syndicate like love apple and peppers , in the impacted area for at least three twelvemonth .
splay crop year to yr , removing morbid botany , irrigate voguish , and grow resistant varieties if uncommitted will all serve to prevent outcome with pestilence and disease .
Harvesting and Preserving
The timing of your harvest will depend on the special variety of eggplant you are growing . Typically , yield are at their most tasty when harvest before they contact maturity date .
When they are ready , the skin will have a glossy appearance , the flesh will be ointment colored , and the seeds will be very minuscule or not developed .
Harvesting when they are about half the expected fledged size described on the seed package will also encourage the plant to put its vigor into produce more fruit .
If you expect too foresighted to reap , the skin may become leaden and problematic , and there may be an abundance of germ .
The plant often have sticker on or around the stems and calyx , so it is advisable to endure a pair of gardening gloves as you are picking . apply a clean pair of scissors or a sharp tongue to write out through the stem one or two inches above the yield .
add your mad apple inside and – without washing it first – wrap it in a paper bag and place it in a dry , temperature - controlled sphere of your habitation . opine a wine-coloured cooler , or anywhere that stays between 45 and 55 ° F .
Your harvest will stay novel for up to one workweek – as long as you keep it away from tomato , bananas , melons , and other fruits that give off ethene gas , also call the “ fruit - ripening gun , ” which can induce your mad apple to turn brownish .
If you do n’t have a wine ice chest or a temperature - curb area , the refrigerator is your next best bet . Wrap the yield in newspaper towels and place it in the crisper drawer of your electric refrigerator , where it should last for about five to seven sidereal day .
you’re able to also chop up the yield into your desired sizing , pare it if desired , and blanch it by roil for four minute . Let the garden egg cool in an deoxyephedrine bath for 10 to 15 minutes before storing in a freezer - good goose egg - top purse .
While your frosty fruit wo n’t have fresh eggplant ’s lovely texture , you’re able to still use it in pasta sauce , curries , and more . Just peradventure not eggplant parmesan .
Recipes and Cooking Ideas
Eggplant , like mushroom , take on the flavors of the other ingredients that it is prepared with . It ’s with child for bulking up a formula with more nutrition and less carbs .
It works great as a replacement for buckram vegetables and is the pure veg to add intensity to shake up - fry , soup , and stews . It can even be slice fragile and wide and substitute for lasagna noodles orspiralized for a linguine effect .
Younger fruits do n’t need to be peeled , but if you lease yours go past prime , the skin can become tough and bitter , so peeling is the better choice .
Spicy Eggplant Curry
This spicy vegetarian curry is made with tender chunks of eggplant and chickpeas and flavour with fresh chili and other spice .
The creamy coconut milk base transforms it from the mundane into something very , very wonderful . Serve it over brown rice or rice cauliflower for a tasty and hearty repast .
Find the recipe on our sister site , Foodal .
Baba Ghanoush Hummus
Are you looking for a healthy dip to serve at your next gathering ? Get ready to dip all of those Saratoga chip , pita pieces , and Apium graveolens dulce or Daucus carota sativa sticks into something a little unlike with a whole lot of tasty .
Try this healthy hummus inspired by baba ghanoush ! The classical flavors of hummus are aggregate with dead roast garden egg and garlic .
Get the recipe now on Foodal .
Eggplant, Kale & Ricotta Cannelloni
Do you need something lighter and healthy than traditional Italian alimentary paste but just as tasty ?
This vegetarian eggplant , boodle , and ricotta cannelloni check the bill for a carb - light and promiscuous - to - make comforter food replacement .
Find the recipe now on Foodal .
Want extra eggplant recipes?Foodal has more !
Quick Reference Growing Guide
Worth the Effort
Although time consuming to start from germ , it ’s beyond worth it when you reap your homegrown crop .
Eggplants come in so many varieties , and if you start them from seed you could try on any case you want .
Once in the primer , they tend to get along pretty well provide you keep them well watered .
A red-hot , sunny spot with well draining soil is of course ideal , but you ’ll in all probability have some success even if conditions are less than sodding .
And the expiation of let in homegrown eggplant at dinner will keep youperusing the cum catalogsyear after yr .
And for more information , be sure to take a flavour atsome of our other eggplant guidesnext :
Photos by Felicia Lim and Raquel Smith © Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL right wing RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Originally published March 3 , 2018 . Last updated April 23 , 2021 . merchandise exposure via Burpee , Generic Seeds , and True Leaf Market . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock . With additional writing by Gretchen Heber , Laura Melchor , and Mike Quinn .
The faculty at Gardener ’s Path are not medical professional person and this article should not be construe as medical advice mean to tax , diagnose , prescribe , or promise therapeutic . Gardener ’s Path and demand the Experts , LLC assume no financial obligation for the use or abuse of the material represent above . Always consult with a aesculapian professional person before changing your diet or using plant - base remedy or supplement for wellness and health .
About
Amber Shidler
