Solanum melongena

Cultivation

Grow it from seedlings.

Distance between plants

At least 80 cm (30 in) between rows and at least 60 cm (24 in) between plants in a row.

Location

Sunny and protected from wind.

Amount

Three plants per person.

Time of planting

End of January–beginning of March for seedlings. The seeds germinate in 10-20 days.

Fertilization

It needs a lot of nutrients. Fertilize with barn manure. Use compost, algae brew or organic mulch.

Watering

Water regularly 30 cm (12 in) deep. Don’t water on leaves.

Eggplant’s good neighbors

Beans, peas, broad beans, cabbage, Indian cress, calendula.

Eggplant’s bad neighbors

Potato, tomato.

Diseases and pests

Colorado beetle, mites, thrips and potato blight. If the fruits get brown (but not soft or rotten), the plant lacks nutrients and should be watered with nettle or comfrey brew.

Eggplant’s storage

Cut regularly even if you don’t need them. Pick medium sized fruits so they don’t drain the plant. Store for a short time in the fridge.

Food

Use the fruits. The peel contains the most nutritional substances and shouldn’t be removed. Eat eggplant fruits as fresh as possible, when their skin is tight and shiny.

Important

It loves warmth and sun.

Miscellaneous

The fruits can be of various colors, all from white to different shades of violet. Old fruits are bitter and unpalatable.