Eggplants are a delightful addition to any dwelling house garden , fuck for their vivacious colors and ample flavors . With their large , violet blossoms and glossy fruits , they are as beautiful as they are tasty .
luckily , you do n’t want a large garden to grow them — eggplant bush can expand in pots and containers .
Whether you have limited infinite or only prefer the gadget of container horticulture , here are eight tips to help you spring up goodly , productive eggplants in flowerpot .
1. Choose the Right Eggplant Variety
Not all eggplant bush are created adequate , and when it comes to container gardening , variety issue .
While many eggplant form can get quite expectant , there are several dwarf or compact options perfect for small space . Consider these mixed bag for container gardening :
Fairy Tale : A small-scale works producing purple - and - white stripy fruits about 4 inches long . It ’s perfect for pots and grows well with minimum space .
Hansel : Another dwarf variety , Hansel produces clump of thick purple fruits that grow up to 5 inch . Its thick sizing shit it a great tantrum for containers .
Patio Baby : As the name suggests , this potpourri is well - suited for patio gardening . The flora grow to about 24 inches tall , and the fruit matures chop-chop — ideal for minor spaces .
pick out a compendious mixed bag ensures that your eggplant wo n’t outgrow its container , leading to more successful yield production .
2. Pick the Right Container Size
Selecting the right container is all important for maturate aubergine . The container needs to be large enough to accommodate the industrial plant ’s root system and support its increment .
Ideally , choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and has a diameter of 16 - 18 inch .
If you require to spring up more than one plant , consider using a larger container , like a half - barrel , which can comfortably house two eggplants .
The key is see there ’s enough elbow room for the roots to expand without becoming crowded . Remember to find fault a pot with drainage holes to prevent piddle from collecting at the bottom and causing root rot .
3. Use High-Quality Soil
Eggplants thrive in loose , well - draining soil plentiful in organic matter . A high - timber potting mix specifically explicate for veg will give your plants the food they need to grow substantial and healthy .
Avoid using garden grease in container , as it tend to compact and suffocate the root .
For optimal resolution , immix two parts potting soil with one part sand or perlite to ameliorate drainage .
you may also add compost or well - aged manure to the mixture to furnish a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing time of year .
4. Provide Plenty of Sunlight
Eggplants are sunshine - loving plants and demand at least six to eight hours of lineal sunshine daily to thrive . When produce Solanum melongena in containers , place them in a sunny spot on your patio , balcony , or pack of cards where they can get enough visible radiation .
If you survive in a red-hot climate , you might desire to provide some afternoon subtlety to prevent the plants from getting singe .
In cooler regions , lay your containers against a warm , south - facing rampart to help enkindle the temperature around the flora .
5. Water Consistently
Consistent watering is essential when growing eggplants in container . Because containers hold less soil than garden layer , they tend to dry out quicker , peculiarly in blistering weather condition .
Check the wet level in the territory on a regular basis by sticking your finger about 2 inches into the soil . If it feels teetotal , it ’s sentence to body of water .
When watering , check that to souse the soil thoroughly , but fend off waterlogging the plant . Eggplants dislike having squashy roots , which can lead to fungal disease .
mulch the soil surface with wheat or compost can help hold wet and deoxidise how often you postulate to water .
6. Feed Your Plants Regularly
Eggplants are threatening feeders and will require steady fertilization to produce a healthy crop . Use a balanced vegetable fertilizer , like one forge for tomatoes , which has the right-hand mixing of food for fruiting plants .
you’re able to apply a slow - release fertilizer at the fourth dimension of planting and follow up with liquid fertilizer every two to four week during the growing season .
If you notice that your works is producing lots of leaves but not many fruit , this could indicate an excess of atomic number 7 . flip to a fertiliser higher in atomic number 15 and potassium to encourage more prime and yield production .
7. Provide Support
Even heavyset varieties of eggplant can become heavy with fruit , so it ’s important to allow for some sort of support .
A small love apple John Milton Cage Jr. or a sturdy post can assist keep your plant upright and prevent the yield from drag on the priming .
Insert the support structure when you plant your eggplant seedling to avert commove the roots subsequently . As the plant life grows , gently tie the root word to the support with subdued ties or fabric strips to keep them secure .
8. Watch for Pests and Diseases
Like any garden plant , eggplant can be susceptible to pests and diseases . Some unwashed pest that affect eggplants include :
Flea Beetles : These petite insects can make small holes in the leave . Use insecticidal soap or neem crude to control them .
aphid : These pest can cluster on the undersurface of foliage and break the plant by sucking its sap . A substantial spray of water or insecticidal max can help remove them .
Tomato Hornworms : Large light-green caterpillars that can quickly defoliate your plants . deal - pick and remove them if make out .
aubergine can also suffer from fungal diseases like verticillium wilt or powdery mold . To foreclose these issues , ensure good airwave circulation around your industrial plant , avoid overhead lachrymation , and remove any diseased leaves quickly .
Bonus Tips for a Successful Harvest
Timing is cardinal : eggplant are ready to reap when their skin is glossy , and they have reached the appropriate size of it for their variety . Overripe eggplants tend to be acerbic and seedy , so harvest them when they are truehearted but still give slenderly when pressed .
Companion planting : Growing mad apple alongside companion plants like marigolds , basil , and pea can help improve plant health and slim pests .
revolve your pots : Every few weeks , rotate your pots to see to it that all sides of the plant receive an even amount of sun , promoting balanced growth .
grow eggplant in container can be both a rewarding and practical way to enjoy fresh , homegrown produce , even in small spaces .
By opt the right variety , muckle , and grime , providing ample sun , and maintain consistent watering and eating , you ’ll be on your way to a bountiful mad apple harvest .
With these tip , even beginners can successfully uprise aubergine in pots , bring both beauty and delicious fruits to their household .
