Eggplant Growing Guide for Central Texas
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Eggplants are a heat-loving crop that thrives in Central Texas’ long summers. With their glossy fruits and striking foliage, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Choosing the Right Eggplant Varieties
- Classic Varieties: Black Beauty, Classic
- Asian Varieties: Ping Tung Long, Ichiban
- Specialty Varieties: Rosa Bianca, Fairy Tale
When to Plant Eggplants
- Seeds: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost (mid-January).
- Transplants: Plant outdoors in mid to late March after the last frost.
How to Plant Eggplants
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil enriched with compost. A pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal.
- Planting Depth: Transplant seedlings at the same depth as their nursery pots.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows, with rows 24-36 inches apart.
Caring for Your Eggplant Plants
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, providing 1-2 inches of water per week.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and a phosphorus-rich fertilizer when fruits begin to set.
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pests and Diseases
- Common Pests: Flea beetles, aphids, and spider mites. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage pests.
- Diseases: Verticillium wilt and blossom end rot. Avoid overwatering and ensure proper spacing.
Harvesting Eggplants
- Harvest when fruits are firm, glossy, and about 4-6 inches long, depending on the variety.
- Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the fruit, leaving a small piece of stem attached.