Aubergines come from subtropical regions of India and are difficult to grow in cool-temperate Germany. If the flowers of plants that have been grown with great effort fall off, fruit can no longer form. Read here what you can do to save your plant.
Why do eggplant flowers fall off?
Eggplant flowers fall off if they havenot pollinated. They belong to the group of wind pollinators. In the greenhouse they therefore have to be shaken by hand and thus pollinated. Drought stress and nutrient deficiency can also cause flowers to fall off.
How are eggplant flowers pollinated so that they don't fall off?
The pollination of eggplant plants occurs primarily through air movement. In the greenhouse this is missing for sufficient fertilization. You should help here and gently shake the flowers as soon as they are ripe. However, be careful not to break any parts of the plant. You canshake them lightly with your hand, fertilize each flower individually with a brush, or use an old electric toothbrush. Gently hold the toothbrush against the plant so that the flower heads vibrate. Repeat as soon as the next flowers ripen.
Can diseases cause flowers to drop?
If the eggplant becomes ill during the flowering period, this can also lead to the loss of the valuable flowers. Most of the time, care errors are responsible for this. WithRoot Rotthe plant can no longer supply the flowers. It is caused by excessive watering and waterlogging. Even due toheat damage in the wrong location, the sensitive flowers can quickly dry out and fall off.
How do you prevent the flowers from falling off in advance?
So that the eggplant plant does not drop its flowers due to lack of water, you shouldwater it regularlyMake sure that the excess water can drain away easily. Eggplants are sensitive to waterlogging and can lose their flowers for this reason. You should also ensure there are enough nutrients, as eggplants are heavy eaters. They “starve” withoutadditional fertilization with an organic vegetable fertilizer. Pay attention to appropriate care and a suitable location both outdoors, in the greenhouse and in the pot.
What can you do if the eggplant flowers have fallen off?
If all of the eggplant's flowers have fallen off, you can try to encourage the plant to produce flowers again with very good care and anextra portion of fertilizer. If that doesn't work, for example because it is already too late in the year, you can try to overwinter the eggplant and strengthen it for the next year. Eggplants are actually perennial. Overwintering in a consistently warm location is difficult, but possible.
Tip
Take care of your eggplants, especially during the flowering period
Eggplant plants can bloom from June to September. During this time, the plant needs a lot of energy from nutrients and sufficient water. It's best to check your plants daily to quickly identify irregularities and prevent the flowers from falling off.
