Growing Eggplant On Trellis: A 7-Step Actionable Guide
- Author: Saiqa Najeeb
- Last Updated On: July 3, 2023
Eggplants are a must-have if you’re into growing your vegetables. Imagine the joy of growing plump, flavorful eggplants right from your doorstep. So, are you interested in knowing the nitty-gritty of growing eggplant on trellis?
This guide covers all the basics you need to know to enjoy eggplant harvests successfully. You’ll get to know about the growing conditions, varieties, planting, and caring techniques, and lastly, harvesting strategies.
Let’s get growing!
About Eggplant
Eggplant can be grown as a short-lived perennial or an annual plant. It is a member of the Night Shade family also known as Solanaceae, which also comprises tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. It is very susceptible to low temperatures. It shows maximum growth at slightly higher temperatures ranging from 70 and 85 degrees. The plant is grown for its edible, glossy, shiny, and plump fruits. It is multi-branched and may reach a length of 2 to 4 feet. Small violet blooms and star-shaped hairs on the leaves and stems are both characteristics of this plant.
Growing Conditions
Here are the optimal conditions for growing eggplant on trellis
- Light: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day
- Soil Texture: Loamy or sandy soil
- Soil pH: Less than 6.0
- Soil Drainage: Moist and well-drained soil
- Space Needed: 3 -6 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 9a,10a, 11a, 12a, 9b, 10b, 11b, 12b
Varieties for growing eggplant on trellis
Consider your growing environment, purpose, and the space you have available for the plants when choosing eggplant types. The majority of garden centers and nurseries stock cultivars that have been shown to flourish in their native environments and yield fruits of exceptional quality. Here are some of the varieties that you can choose from.
- Chinese Eggplant
- Fairy Tale Eggplant
- Globe/American Eggplant
- Graffiti/Zebra/Sicilian Eggplant
- Indian Eggplant
- Italian Eggplant
- Japanese Eggplant
- Little Green Eggplant
How To Grow Eggplants?
1
Soil Preparation
For growing eggplant on trellis, the soil should be rich in organic matter, well-drained and moisrt. As long as the soil is healthy and well-drained, eggplant may grow in the majority of soils. Before planting, prepare the soil by incorporating 15-20 pounds of organic matter that has been well decomposed or 2-3 cups of all-purpose fertilizer (16-16-8 or 10-10-10) per 100 square feet. Work this into the soil’s top six inches.
Read our detailed guide on the best soil for vegetable garden.
2
Planting and Spacing
The optimal time to transplant an eggplant is when the plants have 6–9 leaves and a strong root system. Give the plant 8–10 weeks to grow while growing transplants. Plant the seeds in a sterile sowing mix and let them grow out at 65–75°F after 80°F seed germination until the seed root appears. A quality plant must receive enough light to grow. Plants will grow large and healthy if cool white fluorescent tubes are lighted for 14–16 hours each day and put 2–3 inches above the plants.
Since the plants are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures, the eggplant should only be transplanted when the soil is 60°F or after all threat of frost has passed. Rows should be spaced 24 inches apart from one another when planting transplants. The fastest-growing transplants are those that are compact, dark green, have 6–9 leaves, and are 5-8 inches tall.
3
Staking Plants on Trellis
While growing eggplant on trellis stake eggplants like you would tomatoes and peppers. By staking the eggplant plant, you can prevent the fruit from hitting the ground, which lowers the risk of disease and enhances fruit shape, especially on elongated fruit. Harvesting also becomes easier by staking. Similar to tomatoes, eggplants can be staked by spacing 48–60 inch long wooden stakes, 1 inch in diameter, between each plant in a row. To support the fruit and stems that are developing, the string is tied along the plants and twisted around each stake.
4
Mulches and Covers
Mulch made of black plastic heats the ground, saves water, and aids in weed prevention. Particularly with transplants, plastic mulches enable earlier planting and maturation. Create holes for the transplants after laying the plastic down and sealing the edges with soil. Plants can be planted outside several weeks before the final frost date by utilizing plastic mulches and row covers.
Applying organic mulches around the plants, such as grass clippings, straw, or newspapers, should wait until the soil is warmer than 75°F. Organic mulches also aid in weed prevention and water conservation. Row Plant growth and earliness are improved by using hot caps, plastic tunnels, fabric covers, and other technologies to protect transplants from cold air temperatures. When the ambient temperature rises above 80°F, ventilation is necessary for eggplant planted beneath row covers.
5
Water and Fertilization
Eggplant requires 1- 2 inches of watering per week. If easily possible, opt for drip irrigation. Mulching will help keep the soil moist around the plant and will slow the growth of weeds. Irrigate to ensure that the soil receives adequate moisture. Overwatering or underwatering regularly might result in tough, brittle fruit or root decay.
Avoid over-fertilizing eggplant because this promotes excessive leaf development, delays flowering, and shortens the fruit’s maturation. At 4 and 8 weeks following planting, side dress with nitrogen (21-0-0) using a half spoonful per plant. Apply the fertilizer next to the plant and water the soil to incorporate it.
6
Plant problems
While growing eggplant on trellis, you may encounter one or more of these conditions and how to eradicate them:
- Weeds: Plastic and natural mulches aid in weed control. Avoid root injury by adding mulches lightly around the plants, especially when they are young.
- Flea beetles: Tiny, black, seed-eating insects. Adults gnaw little holes in leaves and cotyledons. Beetles may destroy seedlings or diminish plant standing. Use the proper insecticides at planting time or after seedlings have emerged from the soil to control beetles.
- Leaf Spots: Dark blotches on stems, leaves, or fruits are known as leaf blights or spots. All plant parts eventually become infected with the disease. Eventually, the foliage withers, exposing the fruits to the sun and resulting in sunscald. It is promoted by low temperatures and damp weather. Avoid using overhead watering in the late afternoon. In between waterings, let the soil dry. Once the disease has been recognized, use the appropriate fungicide.
- Verticillium Wilt: When leaves wilt, they first turn yellow at the base of the plant before they wither and drop off. The stem and root become brown in colour due to disease. Rotating crops and solarizing the soil can both help to lower wilt illnesses.
- Sunscald: When fruits are exposed to direct sunshine during hot, dry conditions, it results in scald. Overheating, drying out, and uneven coloration occur in exposed areas. In warmer temperatures, keep the soil moisture consistent. Large plants with healthy leaf coverage are less susceptible to sunscald. Providing shade for plants can help with sunscald.
7
Harvest and Storage
Typically, eggplant is picked when the fruits reach a length of 6 to 8 inches, and become shiny, and full-size. Fruits with the highest flavor and quality are those that are firm, plump, and brightly colored, with smooth skin. When harvesting, do not twist the fruits off. Instead cut the stem with a knife or pruning shears. As eggplant has tiny, prickly thorns on the stems and beneath the leaves, wear gloves when handling it. Mature eggplant can remain fresh for 7 days if stored at 50-55ºF. Fruits are prone to chilling harm if refrigeratedOverripe fruitspe have drab colors, soft seeds, and a bitter flavor. While it cannot be canned or dried, eggplant can be frozen.
It’s time for planting!
Now that you know all the basics of growing eggplant on trellis, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to good use. You can quickly start growing eggplants if you use these incredibly simple methods and ideas.
You may turn your space into a miniature eggplant garden with a little effort. If you want to enjoy the juicy, nutritious vegetables later, start planting today.
