How To Container Grow Eggplant Plants

Plant one eggplant per container, 2-gallon minimum. Fill the container with a high quality potting soil that will drain quickly. Add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting and then every few weeks during the season, especially when plants start to bloom. Water deeply and consistently, but don't overwater.

Do Eggplants grow well in containers?
Do eggplant plants need cages?
How much space does an eggplant plant need?
What should you not plant next to eggplant?
Can you grow eggplant in a 5 gallon bucket?
Do eggplants like full sun?
What is the best fertilizer for eggplants?
What can I plant next to eggplant?
How often should Eggplant be watered?
How long does it take for eggplant to grow after flowering?
Should you top eggplant plants?

Do Eggplants grow well in containers?

Growing eggplant in containers requires 12 to 14 inches (30-35 cm.) of space per plant or three plants can be placed in a 20-inch (50 cm.) container. Unglazed pots dry out more quickly than glazed pots, but they also allow the evaporation of excess moisture.

Do eggplant plants need cages?

They need a nice, steady supply of moisture but not so much that the soil is soggy. Drip systems or a soaker hose are ideal. Eggplants are prone to falling over when loaded with fruit, so you may want to tie plants to stakes to keep them upright. ... You can also use small tomato cages to support the plants.

How much space does an eggplant plant need?

Space eggplants 18 inches apart, in rows 30 to 36 inches apart.

What should you not plant next to eggplant?

Eggplant – A good companion for amaranth, beans, marigolds, peas, peppers, spinach, and thyme. Do not plant eggplants near fennel. Fennel – Not a companion for any garden food plant, fennel will actually inhibit growth in bush beans, kohlrabi, tomatoes, and others.

Can you grow eggplant in a 5 gallon bucket?

Eggplant

You can place a single plant in a 5 gallon bucket, and this should give it enough space and sufficient nutrients, as long as you feed and water well over the summer months. As with tomatoes, it is a good idea to provide supports for your plants as fruits form and begin to grow.

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.

What is the best fertilizer for eggplants?

A balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) is often recommended for eggplant. Feeding too much nitrogen at this point can result in large, leafy plants that fail to produce fruit.

What can I plant next to eggplant?

Additional Eggplant Companions

Peppers, both sweet and hot, make good companion plants, as they have the same growing needs and are susceptible to the same pests and diseases.
Tomatoes are often used as eggplant companions. ...
Potatoes and spinach are also said to make great companion plantings too.

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.

How long does it take for eggplant to grow after flowering?

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.

Should you top eggplant plants?

Pruning eggplant stems is best done when the plant is established and has already borne some fruit. ... When pruning eggplant, the traditional shape to go for has three stems. You should leave the first main division, where the first two stems diverge from the base, as well as one other strong stem. Remove all others.