Answer: They are warm season vegetables so they slow down considerably as temperatures drop. Although eggplants will keep growing and flowering, they are more productive if cut back and allowed to regrow during late summer.
You should be wondering “Does eggplant grow in the ground?”
These plants need a lot of sunlight, water and good quality soil. Most gardeners across the US care for eggplant in two ways. They either grow them from seed or acquire them as saplings and then transfer them to either a pot or in the ground.
Growing eggplants in the veggie garden can be so rewarding when the time comes to harvest these tasty, versatile plants. There are several varieties to choose from with a range of sizes, shapes, and colors. By understanding what eggplants need to grow and thrive, you can ensure a good harvest.
One answer is that no, eggplants don’t grow underground. Instead, they grow on above the ground. Also the fruits will develop above the ground in contrast to other plants like potatoes, garlic or onions.
Can you plant eggplant in the winter?
Eggplants are a warm-season crop that cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. Eggplants can only grow in warm soil—50 degrees Fahrenheit or above. The best time to plant eggplant is in late spring after the last threat of frost.
One thought is that Eggplant needs warm conditions, and will not thrive during a cool season. If you buy plants from a garden center, choose sturdy plants up to a foot tall. Start eggplant seeds about eight weeks before planting outside. Transplant outdoors after nighttime low temperatures have risen above 50°F.
This begs the query “Can eggplants be left on the plant?”
Do not let the eggplants hang on the plant once they are mature, because their quality will decline. Pick when the skins are still shiny and the fruit is firm. Later in the season, cold nights will injure fruit left on the plant. Cover the plants if there are low temperatures in the forecast.
One common answer is, rate this Article: Given their tropical and subtropical heritage, eggplants do require relatively high temperatures, similar to tomatoes and peppers (which are also in the nightshade family of vegetables). Like tomatoes, eggplants grow hanging from the vines of a plant that grows several feet in height.
How to grow eggplant?
After planting, water well. Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Eggplant will fall over once loaded with fruit! Be sure to stake tall plants or use a cage to keep the plants upright. If growing eggplant in containers, stake the stems before the fruit forms. For bigger fruits, restrict to five or six per plant.
Start eggplant seeds about eight weeks before planting outside. Transplant outdoors after nighttime low temperatures have risen above 50°F. Install plant supports at the time of planting. Use mulch to heat the soil and reduce root damage.
Do eggplants need manure to grow?
Because they need warm soil, eggplants are usually purchased as transplants (or, started indoors about two months in advance). Raised beds enriched with composted manure are an ideal growing place for eggplants because the soil warms more quickly.