How to grow Japanese eggplants in Your Home Garden?
- Start the seeds indoors. Begin germinating Japanese eggplant seeds indoors about two months before the last frost date in your area. ...
- Choose the site. Japanese eggplants prefer full sun and lots of warmth, so choose a planting area in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per ...
- Prepare the soil. ...
- Transplant. ...
- Stake. ...
- Water. ...
How do you make Japanese eggplant?
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Cut the eggplant in half and then slice it into thin strips.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the eggplant strips and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. ...
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. ...
How do you take care of Japanese eggplant?
- Water the eggplants thoroughly with a garden hose.
- Apply wood or straw mulch around the base of the eggplants about 4 weeks after planting to protect them from moisture loss and excessive heat.
- Harvest eggplants once the fruits reach about 10 inches long.
- Things You Will Need.
- Tips.
- References (4)
- About the Author.
How to grow an Ichiban Japanese eggplant?
‘Ichiban’ eggplant is a heavy feeder, needing fertilizer on a regular basis. Before planting, mix 2 to 3 pounds of a granular, 15-5-10 formula into the soil for each 100 square feet of planting area. Then feed the plants with more fertilizer monthly, starting one month after planting. How many Japanese eggplants grow?
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How fast do eggplant plants grow?
Harvest eggplant 65 to 80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety. When starting from seed, expect 100 to 120 days to maturity. July, August, and September (even into October) are all harvest months for eggplant, depending on where you live and the variety you planted.
How big does a Japanese eggplant get?
Japanese eggplants are elongated and slender, averaging 20 to 25 centimeters in length, and have an oblong to cylindrical shape, tapering slightly at the ends. The eggplants may appear curved or straight and are capped with a green or dark purple stem, depending on the variety.
When should I pick Japanese eggplant?
As a warm-weather crop, your Japanese eggplants won't survive the frost. Timing when you plant them plays a big role in how quickly they grow. Roughly, they will be ready for harvest 65 to 80 days after transplanting. Depending on your climate, this should be around July through September.
How often do you water Japanese eggplant?
1. Water generously. All nightshade vegetables need generous watering to grow. Japanese eggplants need about an inch of water per week, depending on the soil moisture. The soil should feel evenly moist when you stick your finger an inch or so below the surface; if the soil feels dry, add an extra inch of water.
How long do Japanese eggplants last?
The stem end should be brightly colored. Stored unwashed, unwrapped, and uncut in the vegetable drawer of the fridge, Japanese eggplant will keep for a good three or four days.
Can you eat the skin of a Japanese eggplant?
The Japanese eggplant's thinner skin may be more easily cooked and consumed than the thick skin of a normal eggplant. The skin is also full of fiber that can help keep you feeling full, regulate your digestion and even lower cholesterol.
What is the difference between eggplant and Japanese eggplant?
Japanese eggplant are slightly smaller than Chinese eggplant and have the same dark purple skin as the American and Italian varieties. Also quick cooking but not as mild as Chinese eggplant, they're excellent for grilling and broiling, and they stand up to the assertive flavors of garlic, soy, and ginger.
How do you take care of Japanese eggplant?
2:246:52Growing Ichiban Japanese Eggplants - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you don't hurt the roots later on. So in my case this is the first row of Japanese eggplantMoreSo you don't hurt the roots later on. So in my case this is the first row of Japanese eggplant second row. And then the third row I water them about once a week due to the plastic mulch that I have it
What is the Japanese eggplant?
A Japanese eggplant is a long and slender cultivar of eggplant ( Solanum melongena, also called aubergine) with delicate skin and a mild, sweet flavor. There are many varieties of Japanese eggplants, including Hari, Ichiban, Machiaw, Millionaire, and Little Fingers, that come in various shades of pink, green, purple, and black.
What kind of soil do Japanese eggplants like?
Prepare the soil. Japanese eggplants prefer loamy, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 to 6.5. (If you’re unsure whether your soil is alkaline or acidic, you can perform a soil test. Check out our soil testing guide for a step-by-step tutorial.) Adding row covers or a layer of black plastic to serve as mulch will help warm the topsoil before you transplant the seedlings.
What Is the Difference Between a Japanese Eggplant and a Globe Eggplant?
Japanese eggplants and globe eggplants are two cultivars in the eggplant family with several key differences:
What is eggplant in the garden?
Eggplants are perennial, warm-weather vegetables from the nightshade family that are ideal for grilling, pickling, and incorporating into dishes like stir-fry and baba ghanoush. The Japanese eggplant is a unique cultivar that makes a fantastic addition to any vegetable garden. Ron Finley Teaches Gardening. Ron Finley Teaches Gardening.
How to keep eggplants from growing heavy?
Secure the seedlings with a half-inch of soil around the stem. Stake. Staking or caging the seedlings can help keep the plants secure when they start growing heavy fruits (since Japanese eggplants are smaller than globe eggplants, supports aren’t necessary but can still be helpful). Water.
How much water do eggplants need?
All nightshade vegetables need generous watering to grow. Japanese eggplants need about an inch of water per week, depending on the soil moisture. The soil should feel evenly moist when you stick your finger an inch or so below the surface; if the soil feels dry, add an extra inch of water.
How to start eggplant seeds indoors?
To learn how to start seeds indoors, check out our step-by-step guide. Choose the site . Japanese eggplants prefer full sun and lots of warmth , so choose a planting area in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Prepare the soil .
How long does it take to grow Japanese eggplant?
Harvest eggplant from 65 to 80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety, generally from July through September, depending on your climate.
What is the difference between Japanese eggplant and Japanese eggplant?
Among the many eggplant cultivars, Japanese eggplants tend to have a thinner skin and a more delicate flavor, and they deserve a prominent place in a kitchen garden.
How should I care for Japanese eggplant?
Eggplants require a sunny location, well-drained sandy loam or loam soil, and lots of organic matter such as compost or aged manure. Aim for a soil pH of about 5.8 to 6.5 for best growth. Plant 3- or 4-inch tall seedlings 2 to 2 1/2-feet apart in rows that are 3 or 4 feet apart. If the weather is still somewhat chilly, apply a thick layer of mulch or use row covers to keep them warm. Missouri Botanical Garden points out that eggplants seldom recover from frost damage.
What is the best eggplant to grow in containers?
The ‘Ichiban’ eggplant is the most widely available and grows to 10 or 12 inches with slender, purple fruit. ‘Little Fingers’ are smaller – finger-sized, in fact – so these are good for growing Japanese eggplants in containers. The Old Farmer’s Almanac points out that small-fruited cultivars tend to be heavy bearers.
How to grow eggplant from seed?
The secret to growing eggplant from seed is to provide warmth so the seeds will germinate; bottom heat in particular is essential. A bottom heating pad (not the kind you would use for your own aches and pains, but a specific waterproof seedling heating mat) should provide a nice eggplant germination temperature of about 70 to 75 degrees, critical to germination. Broadcast seeds thinly, cover with a light film of soil and mist regularly. Watering without misting could drown the seeds too deeply into the soil.
How long does it take for a sage plant to germinate?
Seeds germinate in seven to 14 days. Provide 12 to 14 hours of light to prevent spindly, weak stems. Plant directly into the garden once all danger of frost is past and the soil has warmed.
Can eggplant grow in a hot climate?
There's no real secret to growing eggplant (Solanum melongena) of any variety, although it’s true that it can be a finicky plant. Eggplants love heat, similar to tomatoes and peppers, and they grow fastest in temperatures from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, thriving in USDA zones 9 to 12.
How long does it take for eggplant to sprout?
Once nestled neatly into little pots of dirt, the eggplant seeds should germinate and show tiny green sprouts within a week to 10 days, according to Fine Gardening. The plants will produce long, slender fruit that is about 10 inches long in 50 to 60 days from when the seed went into the ground or dirt pot.
How much space do Japanese eggplants need?
Light, Soil and Water Needs. A healthy and mature Japanese eggplant plant will take up about 3 feet of space in the garden for its canopy to expand and will grow about 4 feet tall. Space the plants a minimum of 24 inches apart so that the leaves and fruit aren’t crowded.
What is Ichiban eggplant?
The Ichiban eggplant is favored for its sweet flesh that is creamy when cooked and pureed into dishes such as baba ghanoush. Growing the purple-hued fruit is as easy as other common garden crops, such as tomatoes and peppers.
What zone is eggplant grown in?
Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4-10.
How to keep eggplants from rot?
The Japanese eggplant plant prefers a full day of sun to produce slender, glossy and purple-hued fruit. Keep the water level consistent to avoid the dreaded blossom end rot. The soil should be moist but not soaked. In warmer climates where water can evaporate quickly, mulch the outdoor garden bed to keep the moisture level at a good consistency.
What happens to eggplants when they are stressed?
When temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the plants can become stressed and can drop their flowers, resulting in a significantly less-abundant crop of glossy, slender eggplants.
How to grow fruitful crops?
The trick to growing a fruitful crop is to use a large-enough container for the roots to have plenty of room to grow. The large leaves that protect the fruit as it grows and the thick stems that hold up the weighty fruit are rather heavy.
How to grow Japanese eggplant?
All types of Japanese eggplants need full sun, well-draining soil and heat. Start your seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the date of the last frost. Thin seedlings when they have a couple of pairs of true leaves. Harden off plants and transplant to a prepared bed.
What is the original eggplant?
The original eggplants were small, round, green fruits with a slight bitterness to the flesh. Over time, Japanese eggplant varieties have evolved into primarily purple skinned, long, slender fruit, although there are still green forms and even some heirloom varieties that are white or orange.
What is an eggplant?
Image by AbbieImages. Eggplant is a fruit that has captured the imagination and taste buds of many countries. Eggplants from Japan are known for their thin skin and few seeds. This makes them exceptionally tender. While most types of Japanese eggplants are long and slender, a few are round and egg shaped. Continue reading for more Japanese eggplant ...
What are some good flavors to use with Japanese eggplant?
Removing fruits may encourage further production. Japanese eggplants soak up such traditional flavors as miso, soy, sake, vinegar and ginger. They pair well with the flavors of mint and basil. Almost any meat complements Japanese eggplant and it is used in sauté, frying, baking and even pickling.
How is Japanese eggplant grown?
Growing Japanese eggplant means you’ll need a place that gets great sunlight, as well as well-draining soil and heat. The soil should also have a pH of between 6.0 and 6.5.
What is Japanese eggplant?
Japanese eggplants are longer, thinner eggplants than their American counterpart— the one you’re used to seeing in grocery stores. They come in a range of shades of purple, including a deep, dark, almost-black purple.
Where did Japanese eggplant originate from?
Japanese eggplants have been mentioned in writing from the 3rd century.
How do you pick Japanese eggplant at the grocery store?
When shopping for Japanese eggplants at the grocery store, look for ones that feel heavy for their size. Avoid eggplants that feel too lightweight because they might be past their prime.
What can I substitute for Japanese eggplant?
Don’t have Japanese eggplant? Substitute Japanese eggplant for any of the following, and you’ll be fine.
How long does it take for eggplant to grow?
Eggplants require 100 to 120 days to reach maturity from seed, but choosing a faster-maturing variety and establishing optimal growing conditions can bring fresh, ripe eggplants more quickly from your garden to your table. Advertisement.
What kind of soil do eggplants need?
Soil: Eggplants grow best in a well-drained soil that is relatively high in organic matter.
What to do if eggplants get frosty?
If a late frost strikes, cover your eggplants with hot caps or row covers to prevent damage. Hot caps are individual plant coverings made of paper or plastic that trap the warmth from the sun and speed up growth in cold climates.
How do you know if an eggplant is ripe?
You know an eggplant is ripe if you press your fingernail into its skin and it leaves an indentation.
What temperature do you need to grow a seedling?
Seeds need warm soil to germinate and for the seedlings to grow quickly. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to keep your seedlings in a warm location in your home or use a heating mat to warm the soil.
Do eggplants need sun?
Given warm soil to grow in, eggplants are relatively adaptable to a range of garden conditions, but optimal conditions will improve plant growth and yields. Advertisement. Sunlight: Eggplants require full sun. Soil: Eggplants grow best in a well-drained soil that is relatively high in organic matter.
Can eggplants grow in cooler climates?
Growing Eggplants in Cooler Climates. If you live in a cooler region with a shorter growing season, growing eggplants is more challenging. Covering the soil around your plants with black plastic mulch helps to raise the soil temperature and promotes rapid growth.
How big do Japanese eggplants grow?
Size of Japanese Eggplant. If grown under the right conditions, Japanese eggplants grow up to 4-feet tall and 3-feet wide. The plants reach full size in 50 to 60 days. They need plenty of space in the garden, so all parts of the plant get direct sunlight.
What is the Japanese eggplant?
Japanese eggplant ( Solanum melongena) produces long, slender fruit that has a sweet, mild flavor. The most common Japanese eggplant variety is Ichiban, which is a favorite in gourmet restaurants.
How long can you keep eggplants at room temperature?
If you have too many eggplants to use right away, you can store them at room temperature for 24 hours.
Why are my eggplants bitter?
If the skin on your eggplants becomes dull or soft, then they’ve stayed on the vine too long. They’ll also be mushy and very bitter.
How many days for ripe Japanese eggplant?
The Japanese Ichiban eggplant usually ripens in 50-60 days . By this time, it can grow up to 3-6 inches in length which is good for cooking. However, in special cases, if you want a longer eggplant, you can wait up to 80-90 days.
When to harvest Japanese Ichiban eggplant?
The best time to harvest Japanese Ichiban eggplant should be two to two and a half months after planting. When you see them grown 3 to 6 inches long, have shiny skin, feel firm in the body, and hard in the stem. Use a sharp knife and cut at the stem, leaving two inches to grow from there again.