The egg tree (bot. Solanum melongena) is a quite spectacular and decorative plant. However, the term “tree” is a little misleading, because the eggplant plant only grows to around 30 to 80 centimeters tall and is unfortunately not hardy.
How do I properly care for an egg tree?
To optimally care for an egg tree, choose a sunny, warm location and pay attention to evenly moist, well-drained soil. Regular watering and fertilizing as well as proper wintering are also important for the plant and its flowering period.
Location and soil
The egg tree really cannot be described as undemanding. As a nightshade plant, it is a vegetable plant and is related to potatoes and tomatoes, but is much more sensitive than them. The location should therefore be bright to sunny and warm. Cultivation as a houseplant is also possible.
However, even then the egg tree should be left outside for at least some of the summer. A place protected from the wind in front of a warm wall or house wall is ideal, but not in the shade. The soil should be evenly moist and well-drained, preferably with a certain amount of sand.
Planting the egg tree
Ideally, you should improve the soil permeability before planting an egg tree. A drainage layer made of gravel, perlite (€5.00 on Amazon) or pumice is very useful for this. You can create this drainage in a bucket or in a planting hole in the garden. After planting, water the egg tree well. A mulching film keeps the moisture in the soil longer and keeps it warm.
Watering and fertilizing
An eggplant plant requires a relatively large amount of water. It therefore makes sense to create a watering border around the root area of the plant. This will prevent irrigation water from running away unused. Regular watering is very important, especially during the growth phase and flowering period. The soil around the egg tree should always be slightly moist.
The heyday
From around August to October or November, the egg tree bears beautiful blue or red-violet flowers that reach a diameter of three to five centimeters. However, for beautiful flowering, the eggplant plant needs a lot of warmth and light. When it is cold and/or there is a lack of light, the flowering usually stops.
The most important things in brief:
Plant family: Nightshade family (bot. Solanaceae)
- needs a lot of light and warmth
- not hardy
- Overwintering possible
- very decorative red or blue-violet flowers
- ripe edible fruits (eggplant)
Tip
If you overwinter your egg tree properly, it can bear fruit for several years.
