QA

Quick Answer: When To Start Eggplant Seeds Indoors

Start eggplant seeds indoors up to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Plant the seeds 1/4inch deep, water after planting and cover loosely with plastic to retain moisture. Transplant the seedlings to the garden when soil temperatures reach 60 degrees.

When should you start eggplant seeds indoors?

Sow eggplant seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-90°F. Sow seeds 1/4″ deep. Seeds will sprout in 6-21 days.

How long does it take to grow eggplant from seed?

But natural light may need help in the North. Eggplant seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days, depending on the heat, moisture provided, and moisture content, and age of the seed. Seedlings with two sets of leaves can be transplanted into 4-inch or 2 x 2 x 6-inch pots two to three weeks after germination.

What month do you plant eggplant?

When to Plant Eggplant 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. Eggplants have a long growing season, so you’ll need to start them indoors around eight weeks before your region’s last frost date.

Should I soak eggplant seeds before planting?

Eggplant is best started indoors (or on a patio if it’s warm enough) 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting into the garden. Do not set eggplants out until daytime temperatures are in the 70° F range. I recommend soaking your seeds in water for up to 24 hours. Most eggplant seeds germinate in 6-12 days.

Can you plant eggplant seeds directly in the ground?

Eggplant seed can be sown directly in the garden if the soil temperature is warm enough—and there are enough days in the season for plants to reach maturity. Seedlings started indoors should be kept under grow lights or in a sunny window after germination. Keep indoor nighttime temperature above 62°F (17°C).

Do eggplants need a lot of sun?

Eggplant Care Eggplants are sun lovers. Make sure they get at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days.

Can I start eggplant indoors?

To plant: Start eggplant seeds indoors up to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Plant the seeds 1/4inch deep, water after planting and cover loosely with plastic to retain moisture. Transplant the seedlings to the garden when soil temperatures reach 60 degrees.

What should you not plant next to eggplant?

Eggplant – A good companion for amaranth, beans, marigolds, peas, peppers, spinach, and thyme. Do not plant eggplants near fennel.

Does eggplant come back every year?

Although eggplant is a perennial, it is more commonly grown as an annual. Eggplant flowers are star-shaped in various shades of purple and usually form on opposite leaves as either solitary blooms or grouped in clusters of two or more.

Are eggplants easy to grow?

Growing eggplant would be ridiculously easy if not for eggplant flea beetles. Eggplant is among the few vegetables that don’t mind warm roots, so they grow well in roomy containers provided the plants are given plenty of water.

What is the best way to grow eggplant?

Space eggplant 24 to 36 inches apart and stake them once established to prevent toppling. Choose an area with abundant sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil. Improve native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. Keep soil moist but not soggy—soaker hoses are a great option.

What temperature do eggplant seeds germinate?

Germination temperature: 60 F to 95 F – Germinates best between 80 F and 90 F. Days to emergence: 7 to 10 – At 85 F. Seed can be saved 4 years.

How long does it take to transplant eggplant?

Eggplant seedlings will be ready to transplant in six to eight weeks. Harden off the seedlings carefully by gradually reducing ambient temps and easing off on watering. Wait until the weather has settled, with no chance of frost and the soil is warm before transplanting.

Why are my eggplant seeds not germinating?

the seeds are sensitive to temperatures and wont sprout until they feel the right temp. for eggplant thats really warm, peppers especially like it super hot before they sprout. if you are doing this inside you either wait till its warmer, or get a heat mat.

How long does it take squash to sprout from seed?

Sow the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep and space them apart 12 to 18 inches, as the squash plants can become quite large. Seeds should germinate within 7 to 10 days if the weather is warm enough. If you are transplanting seedlings to the garden, wait until it has been 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost.

How long do eggplants take to fruit?

Harvest eggplant 65 to 80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety. When starting from seed, expect 100 to 120 days to maturity.

How long does it take for eggplant to grow after flowering?

How long does it take for eggplant to grow after flowering? Depending on the variety and the region in which you are gardening, different cultivars of eggplant will develop mature fruit within 50 to 80 days after flowering.

When can I plant seeds outside?

Sowing Perennials and Annuals Outdoors In the North, sow from early spring through summer. Allow at least 4 months from sowing till first killing frost, so plants will have time to grow big enough to endure winter weather. In the South, sow seeds that require cool germination temperatures in spring or fall.