Aubergines, like tomatoes, potatoes and peppers, belong to the nightshade family. Learn here how to properly plant and care for eggplant seedlings to grow he althy plants and get a bountiful harvest.
How to plant eggplant seedlings?
After the Ice Saints, you can plant eggplant seedlings outdoors. To do this, dig asufficiently large holeand insert the plantcarefully without damaging the fine roots. Fill with soil and water the plant.
When should the eggplant seedlings be repotted?
After sowing the eggplant seeds, the first cotyledons form after a few weeks. Once thefirst leaveshave formed on the seedlings a few days later, you can prick out the young plants. Now place them in a larger cultivation pot so that the roots have more space and growth is stimulated.
When can I plant the eggplant seedlings outdoors?
Eggplant seeds should be sown in February. Onlymid-May(after the Ice Saints) can the young plants go outside into the open field after the last frosts. You can put them in the greenhouse at the beginning of May, as they are more protected there. Aubergines are very sensitive to cold. Even low temperatures can cause irreparable damage to the plant. Depending on the variety, the plants are more cold tolerant or not.
Which location is suitable for eggplant seedlings?
Place young seedlings in nursery pots in awarm and bright place without direct sunlight. Protect the plant from cold drafts. The window sill is best suited to an east or west window.
How do I properly care for eggplant seedlings?
Young plants are particularly susceptible to care errors. It's best to check the plant every day to see if it's doing well. It must not dry out otherwise it will shrink. Water regularly The soil should be moist but not soggy. The plant also tolerates waterlogging poorly. Also ensure good ventilation so that the young leaves can dry well. If the plant is a little larger, it needs additional fertilizer. Mature compost, nettle manure or an organic liquid fertilizer are suitable for this.
Tip
Use a support rod
Even the young eggplant seedlings should receive a support rod. This means the plants get used to it early on and are protected from snapping. The eggplant fruits later usually become too large and heavy, so it is best to give the plants additional support.