Aubergines (Solanum melongena), also known as eggplants, originally come from the subtropical areas of Asia. Among the numerous different varieties there are also mini eggplants. Find out here how high the small eggplant plants grow and what pot size they need.
How big do mini eggplants get?
Mini eggplants reach a height of between90 and 100 centimetersParticularly small varieties grow between 50 and 60 centimeters tall. Due to their size, they are particularly suitable for growing in pots or buckets on balconies, terraces or in greenhouses.
Which mini eggplant varieties grow how big?
The varietyDiamond Purplereaches a height of between 50 and 60 centimeters. This makes this mini eggplant particularly suitable for growing in a pot or bucket. The old and tasty varietyBambino also grows to between 50 and 60 centimeters and is ideal for cultivation in the greenhouse.
How big do the fruits of mini eggplants get?
Mini eggplants are as diverse as their larger siblings. Larger mini eggplant plants produce larger fruit. For example, “Ophelia”15 to 20 centimetersdevelops large, oval, dark purple fruits. They have a mildly spicy aroma. The old, dwarf variety “Bambino” bears round, small, violet-colored fruits, about7 to 12 centimeters in size. You can recognize ripe eggplants because they are solid purple and their skin is shiny. Overripe eggplant fruits change color and become brown or yellow. These in turn are suitable for obtaining seeds.
What pot size do mini eggplants need?
Choose the pot size of your eggplant plant depending on the variety. You can also plant the mini eggplants in raised beds, large flower boxes or plant bags. It is important that you provide a sufficient soil volume ofat least 15 liters, preferably more, per plant. From mid-May (after the Ice Saints) mini eggplants in pots are ideally protected against a warm house wall on the balcony or terrace. Eggplants can be further cultivated in the greenhouse at the beginning of May.
How do mini eggplants become strong and bear lots of fruit?
Mini eggplants especially needa lot of sun and warmth They also need a lot of water. However, avoid waterlogging as the plants react sensitively to it. Since eggplants are heavy eaters, they also need additional nutrients. Apply a good, organic liquid fertilizer about every two weeks. You can incorporate mature compost into the potting soil when planting out. Eggplant flowers are hermaphrodite and belong to the wind pollinators. Plants in the greenhouse should therefore be gently shaken every two days during the flowering period to avoid wind movement.
Tip
Make sure there is a sufficiently large planting distance between mini eggplants
For optimal growth, you should place mini eggplants in nutrient-rich soil at a distance of 40 to 50 centimeters from plant to plant. Always plant mini eggplants individually so that they do not rob each other of essential nutrients. It is best to grow in a mixed culture with suitable bed neighbors.
