Aubergines love a lot of warmth. In Germany it is actually too cold for the nightshade family. Since they are mostly grown as annuals, many people don't realize that the plants are actually perennials. You can find out how to properly overwinter eggplants in Germany here.
Can you overwinter eggplant plants in Germany?
Aubergines areperennialand can only be overwintered with great effort. They come from the subtropical areas of India and need to be protected from frost. In Germany they can only overwinter in a heated greenhouse or suitable indoor spaces with plenty of daylight.
Where are eggplants best in winter?
The eggplant plant is not hardy and must under no circumstances be exposed to frost or cold drafts. She reacts very sensitively to this and accepts it. For overwintering, the sensitive plant is best placed in abright and cool placewith a room temperature between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Alternativethe plant can also be a littlewarmer. However, pay particular attention to ensuring that the plant does not dry out and that it receives sufficient daylight.
How do I care for eggplant plants in winter?
Aubergines need, in addition toa lot of light, sufficient water, care andattention Water regularly. Be sure to avoid waterlogging, as eggplants are also sensitive to this. In a cool location, you can temporarily stop fertilizing. If the plant is warm, you should use a liquid fertilizer once a month. Check your plant regularly for diseases and pests in order to be able to react in a timely manner and prevent the plants from spreading and dying.
How to get the eggplant plant out of overwintering?
In February you shouldcut back the eggplant plantso that it can put its energy into new shoots and fruit formation. Now is also the best time torepottinginto a larger pot as needed. Place the plantwarmer and water more frequently. Now it needs a good fertilizer about every three weeks. As daytime temperatures warm, you can slowly harden them off outside. However, put them back in the warm in good time. From mid-May she can go outdoors.
Why are eggplants rarely overwintered in Germany?
Overwintered eggplants develop an earlier and richer harvest compared to freshly sown ones.
Thehigh effortrequired for successful overwintering of eggplant plants and thehigh risk due to pest infestation, but overall result in unprofitable overwintering for the egg crops. In conventional cultivation, the plants are simply destroyed after harvest or left to frost so that they die. Next year, new seeds are simply sown and cultivated. This is easier, safer and more cost-effective for farmers.
Tip
Pot cultures overwinter better than outdoor eggplants
Eggplant plants cultivated outdoors must first be planted out and placed in a pot or bucket. The sensitive plants rarely cope with the confinement and the change of location and die. Therefore, pot keeping is suitable for successful wintering right from the start.