Cultivating eggplants in Germany is difficult. The plants, also known as egg fruit, love it very warm and do not feel particularly comfortable in our cool temperate climate. Cultivation in pots is therefore particularly suitable for eggplants.
How to grow eggplants in a pot?
When growing eggplants in pots, you should use a sufficientlylarge pot(at least 10 liters). Eggplant plants need a lot of warmth and light. From mid-May you can put it outside in asunny spot, water and fertilize regularly.
What are the advantages of growing eggplants in pots?
Aubergines originally come from the subtropical regions of India. They therefore love warm and moist soil. In Germany it is usually too cold for them. They react sensitively to frost and cool temperatures. Overwintering eggplants would therefore only be possible in a pot. The nightshade plant feels most comfortable in the greenhouse, where the temperatures are uniformly warm. When kept in pots, thelocation can be changed depending on the weather conditions in order to give the plants optimal conditions.
Which location is best for potted eggplants?
Aubergines thrive optimally in a pot in awarm, protected and bright place. The warmer they are, the better they grow. After the Ice Saints (around mid-May) you can put them outside on the balcony or terrace, frost-free. Ideally, they should be placed on a house wall that still gives off heat at night. Eggplants in pots also feel comfortable in a relatively uniformly warm greenhouse.
How do I properly care for eggplants in the pot?
Eggplants in pots are a little more special to care for:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist. The plants must not dry out.
- Always water from below. The foliage must not get wet to prevent fungal infections.
- Use a planter with a saucer to allow excess water to drain away. Eggplants are sensitive to waterlogging.
- Fertilize regularly with an organic vegetable fertilizer (€23.00 on Amazon). Eggplants are heavy eaters and require a lot of nutrients. Essential nutrients in the pot are quickly used up and you have to fertilize again.
Which types of eggplant are suitable for growing in pots?
small breeds, such as the “Blanche ronde à uf”, are well suited for keeping in pots. They grow to around 60 centimeters tall and require a smaller pot, but at least 10 liters of soil volume. You should also choose robust and more cold-tolerant varieties so that your plant does not die in just a cool breeze.
Tip
Aubergines are perennial
Cultivation in pots is also suitable for eggplants because the plants are actually perennial. Overwintering outdoors in Germany is not possible. Therefore, for cost reasons, the plants are usually destroyed after the harvest and re-sown in the spring. However, hobby gardeners can try their luck at overwintering in pots with a little effort.
