Eggplant Seed Starting Tips

When starting your eggplant seeds indoors, be sure you have an area to germinate them that is quite warm, 80-90 F. (26-32 C.). Eggplant seed planting should occur four to six weeks before your last frost date. Although eggplant seeds are tiny, sow the seeds about ¼-inch (6 mm.)

How do you start eggplant seedlings?
Do you soak eggplant seeds before planting?
How long do eggplant seeds take to germinate?
How do you germinate eggplant seeds indoors?
How often should Eggplant be watered?
Do eggplants like full sun?
How many eggplants do you get per plant?
How long does it take for eggplant to grow from flower?
Can I just put seeds in soil?
Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?
What is the best way to germinate seeds?

How do you start eggplant seedlings?

Sowing Eggplant Seeds

Sow eggplant seeds in cell packs or small pots, 1/4 inch deep. Water them well, cover loosely with a plastic bag or a plastic seedling flat cover to retain moisture, and place them in a warm spot―on top of the refrigerator or on seedling heat mats would be perfect. Keep the soil moist.

Do you soak eggplant seeds before planting?

Eggplant is best started indoors (or on a patio if it's warm enough) 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting into the garden. Do not set eggplants out until daytime temperatures are in the 70° F range. I recommend soaking your seeds in water for up to 24 hours. ... Most eggplant seeds germinate in 6-12 days.

How long do eggplant seeds take to germinate?

But natural light may need help in the North. Eggplant seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days, depending on the heat, moisture provided, and moisture content and age of the seed. Seedlings with two sets of leaves can be transplanted into 4-inch or 2 x 2 x 6-inch pots two to three weeks after germination.

How do you germinate eggplant seeds indoors?

Starting Eggplant Seeds Indoors

Although eggplant seeds are tiny, sow the seeds about ¼-inch (6 mm.) deep with good quality potting soil in flats or cell containers. Use a dome or cloche to retain heat as well as humidity to encourage germination when eggplant seed planting indoors.

How often should Eggplant be watered?

Eggplant also needs consistent water, at least 1 inch per week. It is better to give one thorough soaking than several frequent, short waterings, because frequent watering promotes shallow roots. Weather and soil type, of course, will affect water demand.

Do eggplants like full sun?

As a basic rule of thumb, vegetables grown for their fruit or roots—such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, potatoes, or carrots—require full sun, which is defined as a garden location that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. ... Keep in mind, though, that no vegetable can thrive in deep, dense shade.

How many eggplants do you get per plant?

Recommended Varieties

The standard eggplant produces egg-shaped, glossy, purple-black fruit. 'Black Beauty' is the traditional eggplant size. One plant produces 4 to 6 large rounded fruit.

How long does it take for eggplant to grow from flower?

How long does it take for eggplant to grow after flowering? Depending on the variety and the region in which you are gardening, different cultivars of eggplant will develop mature fruit within 50 to 80 days after flowering.

Can I just put seeds in soil?

Growing seeds indoors is one way of starting your garden. Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. ... Even so, many vegetables, annuals, herbs and perennials sprout easily from seed sown directly into garden soil.

Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?

You can use egg cartons as a seed-starting tray! Depending on the type of carton you have, you can even cut apart the individual sections and plant them, as the carton will biodegrade. Be sure to poke small holes for drainage, and put the cartons on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any residual water.

What is the best way to germinate seeds?

Moisten the newly planted seeds with a mister or a small watering can. To speed germination, cover the pots with plastic wrap or a plastic dome that fits over the seed-starting tray. This helps keep the seeds moist before they germinate. When you see the first signs of green, remove the cover.