How To Grow Eggplant In A Pot

Want to grow your own eggplants but lacking space? No problem!

Growing eggplants in containers is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy this tropical vegetable. With the right conditions of heat, sun, and soil, eggplants can thrive on your balcony or patio.

This article will guide you through the process of growing eggplants in pots, covering everything from choosing the right container to caring for your plants.

1. Pick a suitable eggplant variety for the pot

When selecting an eggplant variety for container gardening, it’s essential to consider its size and growth habit. Opt for compact or dwarf cultivars that are specifically bred for container gardening.

These varieties are usually more manageable and have a bushy growth habit, making them ideal for limited-space gardens.

Look for varieties like ‘Black Beauty,’ ‘Ichiban,’ or ‘Fairy Tale’ that are known for their compact growth and high yields. These varieties typically reach a height of around 2-3 feet, making them perfect for pots.

2. Choose the best time to grow eggplants

To determine the optimal time to grow eggplants in a pot, consider the climate and temperature requirements for this tropical vegetable.

Eggplants thrive in warm weather, so it’s best to plant them in summer or early fall when temperatures are consistently above 50-54°F (10-12°C). In warm climates, you can even plant them in winter.

Providing the plants with direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day is crucial for their growth, so choose a location facing west or south.

3. Find out how long it will take to grow eggplants

Eggplants typically take two to three months to grow from the time of planting in a pot. This means that you can expect to harvest your eggplants around this time frame.

However, it’s important to note that the actual time it takes for eggplants to grow can vary depending on various factors, such as the specific variety of eggplant, growing conditions, and care provided.

To give you a better idea, here is a table summarizing the average time it takes for different eggplant varieties to mature:

Variety	Days to Maturity
Black Beauty	70-80 days
Fairy Tale	65-75 days
Ichiban	60-70 days

4. Pick the right pot to grow eggplants

Choose a large pot that’s at least 12 inches deep and has a capacity of five gallons. This will provide enough space for the eggplant roots to grow and develop.

Opt for a pot made of sturdy material, such as plastic or ceramic, that can withstand the weight of the plant and the soil. Ensure that the pot has proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Consider the shape of the pot – a wider pot will provide more stability for the plant as it grows.

5. Prepare the pot for planting

Once you have selected the right pot for growing your eggplants, it’s time to prepare it for planting. Follow these steps to ensure the best conditions for your eggplants to thrive:

Step	Instructions
1.	Clean the pot thoroughly with water and mild soap to remove any dirt or residue. Rinse it well and let it dry completely.
2.	Place a layer of stones or broken pottery at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. This will help prevent root rot.
3.	Fill the pot with a nutrient-rich, loamy soilless potting mix, leaving about an inch of space from the rim of the pot. Avoid heavy clay soils as they can hinder root development.
4.	Gently pat down the soil to ensure it is evenly distributed and firm. Avoid compacting the soil too much, as it can restrict root growth.
5.	Water the soil thoroughly until it is evenly moist. This will help settle the soil and prepare it for planting.

6. Add support for the plant

To ensure the proper growth and stability of your eggplant plant, you’ll need to add support to it with stakes or trellises.

As eggplants grow tall and bear heavy fruits, they can become top-heavy and prone to bending or breaking. Staking or trellising the plants will help them stay upright and prevent any damage.

When selecting stakes, choose sturdy ones that are at least 24 inches tall and made of materials like bamboo or metal.

Place the stakes about 6 inches away from the base of the plant and gently tie the stems to the stakes using soft plant ties or twine.

You can also use trellises made of wire mesh or wooden frames, which provide more vertical support for the plants.

7. Plant the eggplant seeds in the pot

To plant the eggplant seeds in the pot, gather your chosen pot and prepare it with a nutrient-rich, loamy soilless potting mix. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Fill the pot with the potting mix, leaving about an inch of space from the top.
2. Moisten the soil slightly before planting the seeds to provide a favorable environment for germination.
3. Place the seeds on the soil surface, spacing them about an inch apart.
4. Gently press the seeds into the soil, ensuring they’re covered with a thin layer of soil.

Remember to label the pot with the date and variety of eggplant seeds planted. Place the pot in a warm location with plenty of sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.

In a few weeks, you should see the seeds sprouting and growing into healthy eggplant seedlings.

8. Plant the eggplant seedlings in the pot

To plant the eggplant seedlings in the pot, you’ll need to carefully transfer them from their nursery containers. Gently remove the seedlings, being careful not to damage the roots.

Make a hole in the potting mix that’s deep enough to accommodate the roots of the seedling. Place the seedling in the hole and cover the roots with the potting mix, gently firming it around the base of the plant.

Ensure that the soil is evenly moist and provide good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Place the pot in a spot with good air circulation and direct sunlight, aiming for at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.

Water the seedlings regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but avoiding overwatering.

9. Provide the required sunlight

Ensure your eggplant pot receives ample direct sunlight for optimal growth. Here are four key points to consider for providing the required sunlight:

1. Placement: Place the pot in a spot with good air circulation and direct sunlight. Choose a location that faces west or south to maximize exposure to the sun’s rays.
2. Duration: Aim for at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Eggplants thrive in full sun, so ensure they receive enough light to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
3. Supplemental lighting: If natural sunlight is insufficient, consider using supplemental artificial lighting to provide the necessary light requirements. LED grow lights or fluorescent lights can supplement sunlight and ensure consistent light levels.
4. Adjustments: Monitor the plants closely and adjust their placement if needed. If the plants aren’t receiving enough sunlight, consider moving them to a sunnier location or providing additional artificial lighting.

10. Provide the required water to the plant

Keep the soil evenly moist to provide the required water to your eggplant plant. Eggplants require regular watering to maintain optimal growth. Deeply water the plants, ensuring the water reaches the root zone. However, be cautious of overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.

To determine the moisture level, insert your finger into the soil. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water again. Mulching can help retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering.

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plant, such as straw or wood chips. This will also help prevent weed growth and maintain a consistent soil temperature.

Remember to monitor the moisture level and adjust watering accordingly to keep your eggplant plant healthy.

11. Thin the eggplant seedlings

Thinning the eggplant seedlings is an essential step in promoting healthy growth and maximizing productivity. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Why thinning is necessary: Thinning helps create space between the seedlings, allowing them to access more sunlight, air, and nutrients. This prevents overcrowding, reduces competition, and promotes stronger, healthier plants.
2. When to thin: Start thinning when the seedlings have grown 2-3 true leaves. At this stage, they’re strong enough to handle the process and will recover quickly.
3. How to thin: Gently remove the weaker seedlings, leaving only the strongest and healthiest ones. Use scissors or your fingers to carefully lift and pull out the excess seedlings, taking care not to disturb the roots of the remaining ones.

12. Provide nutrients to the eggplant plant

To optimize the growth of your eggplant plant, nourish it with a balanced fertilizer rich in essential nutrients.

Use a fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season to ensure a steady supply of nutrients.

Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, into the soil for added nutrients. Monitor the plant’s growth and adjust the fertilizer application accordingly.

It’s important to avoid excessive use of nitrogen, as it can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruiting.

13. Tie the plant to the support

Once your eggplant plant grows tall and bear heavy fruits, it’s important to tie the plant to a support using garden twine or stakes. This will prevent the plant from bending or breaking under the weight of the fruits and ensure healthy growth.

Here are four key steps to tie your eggplant plant to a support:

1. Choose a sturdy support: Select a strong stake or trellis that can withstand the weight of the plant and fruits. A bamboo stake or a metal trellis can work well.
2. Position the support: Place the stake or trellis near the base of the plant, making sure it’s tall enough to support the plant as it grows.
3. Secure the plant: Gently tie the main stem of the plant to the support using garden twine or soft plant ties. Avoid tying too tightly to allow for natural growth and movement.
4. Check and adjust regularly: As the plant continues to grow, periodically check the ties to ensure they aren’t cutting into the stem. Adjust the ties as needed to accommodate the plant’s growth.

14. Prune the eggplant plant

Pruning your eggplant plant is an important step in maintaining its health and promoting abundant fruit production. It’s recommended to prune your eggplant plant regularly throughout the growing season.

Start by removing any damaged or diseased leaves or branches as soon as you notice them. This will prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

You should prune off any suckers that emerge from the base of the plant, as they divert energy away from fruit production.

Aim to prune your eggplant plant every 2-3 weeks, ensuring that you use clean and sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts.

15. Help the eggplant to pollinate

To ensure optimal growth and fruit production, you can help your eggplant plant to pollinate by providing a favorable environment for pollinators. Here are four ways to assist in the pollination process:

1. Attract pollinators: Plant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators near your eggplant plant. This will encourage them to visit and pollinate the flowers.
2. Avoid pesticide use: Pesticides can harm pollinators, so refrain from using them near your eggplant plant. Opt for organic pest control methods instead.
3. Hand pollination: If you notice a lack of pollinators, you can manually transfer pollen from the stamens to the pistils using a small brush or cotton swab. Gently brush the inside of each flower to transfer the pollen.
4. Shake the plant: To help release pollen, gently shake the plant or tap the flowers. This mimics the vibrations caused by buzzing pollinators and can improve pollination.

16. Harvest and store the eggplants

To maximize your harvest of eggplants, regularly check for mature fruits using your hands. Eggplants are ready to be harvested when they’ve reached their full size and have a glossy skin color.

Gently grasp the eggplant and give it a slight twist. If it comes off easily from the stem, it’s ripe to be picked.

Avoid forcefully pulling or cutting the fruit, as this may damage the plant. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the eggplant from the stem, leaving a small portion of the stem attached.

After harvesting, store the eggplants in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can store them for up to a week in the refrigerator.