Black Beauty eggplants are a popular choice among gardeners. This variety is open-pollinated and produces large, glossy-skinned fruits that are almost black. The vegetable is known for its smooth texture and delectable flavor. Growing Black Beauty eggplants can be an exciting part of planning your garden, even for a novice.
Eggplants are a warm-season crop, so it’s best to plant them during the warmest time of the year. Seeds should be started indoors in a frost-free environment before transplanting outdoors. The plants have grayish-green leaves and produce star-shaped lavender flowers with yellow centers. Eggplants can vary in length from 5 to 12 inches (12-30cm) and come in different shapes, including slender, round, and egg-shaped. With basic knowledge and hard work, you can reap the benefits of high-quality, homegrown crops.
Simple Steps: How to Grow Black Beauty Eggplant
- Plant in full sun with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Use well-draining, humus-rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8.
- Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost in a well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 70-85°F (21-29°C) with adequate light for 14-16 hours daily.
- Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over a couple of weeks.
- Plant in a sunny spot with soil temperature at least 60°F (16°C), adding organic compost and fertilizer to the planting hole.
- Water early in the morning to keep the soil moist and use soaker hoses or drip irrigation.
- Feed with a side-dressing of aged manure or compost, and continue with fish emulsion or compost tea every 3-4 weeks after fruit set.
Discover the ultimate step-by-step guide to growing black beauty eggplant successfully. Follow our complete details below!
Where to Plant Eggplant
Choosing the right location for your eggplant is essential for optimal growth. This tender vegetable thrives in full sun and hot regions, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. If you’re in growing zones 10 and 11, it can be grown as a perennial. However, in cooler locations, ensure the temperature stays above 50°F (10°C) as eggplant blossoms won’t set well in lower temperatures.
In areas with high rainfall or poor drainage, consider raised beds to prevent root rot and other diseases. Proper spacing is vital; plant your eggplant plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart to ensure they have adequate space. With the right conditions, your eggplant will thrive and yield a bountiful harvest. Applying these strategies is crucial for how Bell Pepper Roots Grow under similar conditions.
Preparing the Soil
For the best growth, plant in a sunny location with well-draining soil that is humus-rich and warm. Loamy soil or sandy loam enriched with aged compost or commercial organic planting mix works well.
Ensure your planting beds are 12 inches (30cm) deep and the soil pH is between 5.5 to 6.8. Conduct a soil test to confirm this. To keep the soil warm, use black plastic to cover the planting beds two weeks before planting.
Planting Black Beauty Eggplant Seeds
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
To start your Black Beauty eggplant seeds indoors, plant them 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Use a sterile, well-draining seed-starting mix that retains moisture. Sow the seeds in seed trays or small pots, planting them 1/4 inch deep.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, and maintain a temperature of 70-85°F (21-29°C). A heating mat can provide the consistent warmth needed for germination, which typically occurs in 7-14 days.
Place the trays or pots near a sunny window or under grow lights for 14-16 hours a day. This ensures the seedlings receive adequate light to grow strong and healthy. I always use this method for Black Beauty eggplants and find it similar to how I grow broccoli.
Spacing Eggplants
When growing Black Beauty eggplants, it’s vital to give each plant enough space to thrive. Plants should be spaced 24 to 36 inches (61-91 cm) apart. This ensures well-spaced rows, improving air circulation, which is essential for healthy fruit ripening and helps to discourage pests and diseases.
For optimal growth, protect young plants with polyethylene or floating row covers during cool days and nights. Lift the covers in warm afternoons to allow bees to pollinate the flowers. Each plant needs about 2 square feet of space to reach mature size. Different varieties and cultivars may have unique spacing needs, so always check the seed packet for specific instructions. Also to grow petunias from seed successfully, ensure you follow these guidelines for spacing and protection.
Transplanting Eggplant into the Garden
- Hardening Off Seedlings: Start by hardening off your seedlings. Gradually expose them to the outdoors for a few hours each day over a couple of weeks. This step helps them become acclimatized to the garden conditions.
- Choosing a Spot: Select a sunny spot in your garden. Ensure the soil temperature has reached at least 60°F to avoid stressing the plants.
- Preparing the Planting Hole: Prepare a planting hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball. Moisten the hole before setting the seedling in place.
- Adding Fertilizer: Add a mix of organic compost and a 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 fertilizer at the bottom of the hole. This will provide essential nutrients for the young eggplants.
- Transplanting the Seedlings: Carefully set the seedling in the hole. Firm the soil around the roots and gently water the plant. This ensures the root system establishes well.
- Supporting the Plants: Use a tomato cage or stake to support the eggplants. As they grow, they can tip or fall, so providing support is crucial.
- Maintaining Warmth: Keep the soil warm, ideally around 80°F. High temperatures are essential for the established eggplants to thrive and produce a good yield..
By following these steps, you’ll help your eggplants avoid stress and maximize their growth potential, ensuring a successful harvest.
Watering Eggplant
To establish healthy eggplant seedlings, it’s crucial to water them properly. Start by ensuring your soil is moist, but not soggy. Water your plants early in the morning to retain moisture and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Once your eggplant has settled, aim for evenly watering the soil. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to avoid overhead watering, which can cause fungal problems. Ensure that your plants receive around 1 inch of water per week, more during hot and dry periods.
In regions with drought or low rainfall, create water basins around the plants to help retain water and use mulch to keep the soil moist and free from weeds. Organic mulch can also improve soil quality and flavor of the fruits.
Avoid overwatering as it can lead to poor plant health and misshapen fruits. Check the soil regularly by inserting your finger or an index to about an inch deep; if it’s dry, it’s time to water. Be consistent to prevent inconsistent watering, which can result in bitter or susceptible plants.
Eggplants are more tolerant of hot and sunny conditions once they are well-established, but early care and attention to watering will ensure a bountiful harvest. Remember, a well-watered eggplant is a happy eggplant.
Feeding Eggplant
After eggplants have flowered and set fruit, it’s crucial to wait before feeding them, as earlier feeding only boosts leaf growth instead of fruit growth. Once the fruit set, you can feed eggpla nts with a side-dressing of aged steer manure or aged compost, or spray them with Fish Emulsion.
Feeding eggplants too early can delay the harvest. Since eggplants are heavy feeders, they need moderate amounts of nitrogen and high amounts of potassium and phosphorus. You should feed eggplant every 3–4 weeks with fish emulsion or compost tea to supply these nutrients. Before planting, prepare planting beds with aged compost and well-rotted organic mulch. Continue to side-dress with a dilute solution of fish emulsion every 2 or 3 weeks until the fruit has set, then switch to every 3 to 4 weeks after.
Eggplant Companion Plants
When growing Black Beauty eggplants, it’s crucial to choose the right companion plants to ensure healthy growth. Eggplants grow well with beans, peas, marigolds, and southern peas. These plants help deter pests naturally. Additionally, bush beans and nitrogen-fixing crops can be excellent choices.
However, make sure to avoid planting eggplants with corn, fennel, and tomatoes, especially if any of these were grown in the past 2 years. For the best results, do not plant eggplants near these incompatible plants and consider rotating crops to maintain soil health.
I’ve found this strategy particularly effective, similar to how you might approach planning to grow broccoli. By carefully selecting companions, your Black Beauty eggplants will thrive alongside these supportive plants.
Growing Eggplant in Containers
Growing eggplants in containers is an excellent way to make the most of a short season and protect your plants from cold weather. Choose a space-saving variety that fits well in pots at least 12 inches (30cm) deep and across.
It’s essential to keep the soil consistently moist throughout the season; don’t let it dry out. Use a dilute solution of fish emulsion or compost tea to feed your container-grown eggplants every two to three weeks.
In my experience, using containers allows for easy moving of plants indoors during unexpected frost or cool temperatures. This extends the season into spring and autumn, ensuring your eggplants are always in a protected location.
Keeping the potting soil just right is crucial, and I’ve found that using smaller varieties works best for maintaining healthy growth. The heat retained in the container helps the plants thrive, especially in varying regions.
If you’re also looking to grow broccoli in a pot, this method works wonderfully for that too. Just ensure your plants have the necessary space and conditions to flourish.
Eggplant Care
Taking care of your eggplant seedlings is crucial for their growth and development. Start by keeping the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, which can cause damping-off or root rot. It’s essential to fertilize the seedlings every two weeks with a half-strength liquid fertilizer.
Once the seedlings have their true leaves, thin them out, leaving only the healthiest ones to continue growing. Gradually harden off the seedlings by exposing them to outdoor conditions, starting with a few hours of morning sun and increasing their time outdoors over 1-2 weeks.
To ensure eggplant growing success, care must include regular watering. Eggplants demand consistent moisture, and even one missed watering can cause the yield to suffer. Each plant needs 2 to 3 gallons of water weekly, ideally delivered through a regulated drip irrigation system for proper watering. Once the plants are established, apply mulch to maintain and conserve soil moisture. After the fruits set, feed the plants every two weeks with compost tea or fish emulsion.
Protect your eggplants from an unexpected late frost by providing protection at night until the danger has passed. Use spun poly floating row covers to shield them from chilly weather and lack of moisture, which can inhibit pollination. In hot weather, the soil temperature may become too warm for the roots; mulch the plants about 4 weeks after setting them in the garden with aged compost or grass clippings.
In summer, where temperatures reach 100°F (37°C) or more, use shade covering to protect the plants. Additionally, tall varieties and those with heavy fruit should be staked or caged to support their weight.
Eggplant Pests and Diseases
Protecting Young Plants
- Transplant your eggplants and place collars around them to discourage cutworms.
- Use row covers to deter insect pests like aphids, beetles, and cutworms.
- Apply a light dusting of ground limestone to your plants.
- Ensure your eggplants are strong enough to go without protection 3 to 4 weeks after transplanting.
Managing Insect Pests
- Use cloches or row covers to exclude pests as your crops develop.
- Place paper collars around the base of the plants to protect against cutworms and flea beetles.
- Do not allow weeds to grow near your eggplants to minimize pest attraction.
- For flea beetles that create tiny holes in leaves, spray with neem soil.
Controlling Larger Pests
- Handpick tomato hornworms and large caterpillars from your eggplants or use Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Remove by hand and spray Colorado potato beetles and their larvae with insecticidal soap. (I’ve found that using this insecticidal soap delivers superior results compared to other options.)
- Use a hose to pinch out infested areas of whiteflies, spider mites, and aphids.
- Spray the infestation with Spinosad or insecticidal soap spray as needed.
Preventing Diseases
- Planting disease-resistant varieties and keeping your garden clean of debris are essential to combat diseases.
- To prevent bacterial wilt, southern blight, and Verticillium wilt, maintain proper garden hygiene.
- Bacterial wilt causes brown slime to ooze from the stem; dispose of affected plants in the trash.
- Southern blight thrives in hot, moist weather; affected leaves turn pale and fall off, with mold appearing at the base.
- Verticillium wilt causes wilting on one side; use a spray-mist of compost tea to prevent and slow this disease.
- Anthracnose, a fruit-rot fungus, causes round depressed areas on the thin skin of the fruit. Remove infected fruit and diseased plants immediately to stop the spread.
Rotating Crops
- To protect against soil-borne diseases, practice rotating crops.
- Avoid planting eggplant family members like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers in the same spot for two seasons in a row.
- Keep the garden clean and use the best fertilizer for peonies to maintain healthy eggplants.
Eggplant Problem Prevention
- Before planting, spread black plastic on the soil to prewarm it. This step helps create a better environment for the plants to thrive.
- When it’s time for planting, encircle each young plant with a cutworm collar to protect them from pests.
- Cover plants with a floating row cover and seal the edges to exclude insects. You can also spray the plants with kaolin clay to discourage flea beetles.
- To protect eggplants from chilly nights, use cloches or row covers until the weather is reliable and warm. Once the warm weather arrives, you can remove these protections.
- Weed carefully around the young plants to avoid root damage and ensure they have enough space and nutrients to grow.
- Apply organic mulch once the soil has warmed. This helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- During harvest, use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the eggplant fruit off the plants without breaking the stems.
- If Verticillium wilt is a problem, remove all plant tops and roots from the garden to prevent it from spreading.
Harvesting and Using Eggplants
Harvesting Your Black Beauty Eggplants
Pick Eggplants when they Look glossy, firm, and dark purple skin with a smooth texture and slightly resistant flesh when squeezed. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the plant, leaving a short stem attached to the fruit. Be careful not to damage other fruits during the process.
Regularly harvesting encourages more fruit production. Check for ripe, shiny, full-colored eggplants by applying thumb pressure for an indentation. Use shears to clip the stem, leaving some for further fruiting. Each plant usually yields 3-4 well-developed fruits. For the best flavor, pick early, young, and tender baby eggplants as they are sweeter. Avoid overripe eggplants with dull skin as they are seedy and bitter.
Know the variety of your eggplants, ranging from 2-10 inches long. Start picking at half mature size. Press the finger against the skin; if it springs back, it’s time to prune. Eggplants take 100-150 days from sowing seed or 70-85 days from planting transplants. Production slows with cloudy or cool days.
For the best flavor, choose firm, full-colored eggplants with glossy skin. No seeds mean they are immature; hard, dark seeds mean they are overripe. Under or overripe eggplants are bitter. Use a sharp knife to cut with a short stub of 2 inches attached. Wear gloves to avoid sharp thorns on stems and calyx.
Eggplant Kitchen Use
You can bake, grill, stew, or deep-fry eggplant. One popular dish is ratatouille, a French vegetable stew with tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs. In Greece, eggplant is a key ingredient in moussaka, layered with ground meat and topped with bechamel sauce. Another favorite is Baba ghanoush, made from finely chopped and roasted eggplant, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings like tahini.
To prepare eggplant, slice it and sprinkle with salt to remove excess moisture. Let it stand for about half an hour, then wash and pat dry. You can also weigh down the slices with a heavy plate to squeeze out moisture. Coat slices in breadcrumbs and deep-fry them for a crispy treat. A one-pound fresh eggplant contains 117 calories and, when cooked, about 76 calories, along with 1 gram of fat, 28 carbohydrates, 992 mg potassium, and 387 international units of Vitamin A.
With these methods, you can turn your homegrown Black Beauty eggplants into culinary masterpieces. Whether you’re enjoying a classic dish like ratatouille or experimenting with new recipes, eggplant is a versatile and nutritious addition to your table.
Storing and Preserving Eggplant
Eggplants stay fresh in a well-ventilated place for up to 1 week at around 50°F (10°C) or slightly warmer. It’s best not to refrigerate them, but if you do, wrap the fruit in plastic to prevent cold burn. Avoid washing or cutting eggplants before refrigerating. Black Beauty eggplants can also be frozen or dried. When freshly harvested, they should be stored in a cool, dark place. For longer storage, consider freezing or preserving the eggplants.
Eggplant Varieties to Grow
When choosing eggplant varieties to grow, the options are vast and varied, each with unique characteristics. For those who prefer the classic look, the Black Beauty is a staple. This purple-skinned variety is not only visually appealing but also produces glossy black, bell-shaped fruit that can grow 4 to 6 inches long. The plant reaches about 18 to 24 inches tall and is known as an heirloom variety, taking around 74 days to harvest after transplanting.
Another great choice is the Rosa Bianca, an heirloom with white skin and beautiful lavender streaks. This variety adds a touch of elegance to your garden. If you prefer smaller eggplants, the Easter Egg with its small, pastel yellow or orange fruits is delightful. For those in cool or warm summer regions, the Galine hybrid produces black, bell fruits up to 6 inches long in about 65 days.
Unique and Flavorful Options
For a sweet and tender option, consider the Gretel, which produces white fruit about 4 inches long and is an All-American Selection. The Green Knight offers jade green fruit that can grow up to 7 inches, and the plant itself can reach 36 inches high. The Ichiban is another popular choice, known for its slim, deep purple fruits that are around 15cm long.
If you are looking for something different, the Listada De Gandia with its purple and white stripes and mild flavor is a fantastic option, taking about 80 days to mature. For container gardening, the Pot Black is a compact variety with no bitter taste, ready in about 60 days. The Purple Blaze offers purple fruit with white streaks, growing to 20 inches with 4-inch fruits.
There are many other eggplant varieties to explore, such as the Millionaire Purple, Ping Tung Long, and the White Star Hybrid. Each variety has its own growing requirements and benefits, so choose the one that best fits your garden and taste preferences. From heirloom varieties to hybrid options, there’s an eggplant for every gardener, whether you want to grow the classic Black Beauty or experiment with Asian eggplant varieties.
Eggplant Growing Tips
Start Indoors:
Begin by sowing eggplant seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives them a head start and ensures they are well-established before moving outside.
Transplant Seedlings:
Transplant the seedlings into the garden about 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost in spring. This timing is crucial because eggplants need warm air temperatures to thrive. Planting too early can prevent them from developing properly.
Understand Growth Requirements:
Eggplants grow 18 to 36 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches wide. They need a long growing season of 100 to 140 warm days, with air temperatures between 70° and 90°F (21-32°C) to reach a successful harvest.
Provide Adequate Space:
When you plant your eggplants, ensure each plant has enough space to grow. They can produce fruits weighing up to 2 pounds each.
Monitor Development:
Keep an eye on your eggplants as they grow. Make sure the plants are developing well and adjust care as needed. This includes watering, fertilizing, and checking for pests.
Plan for Yield:
To ensure a sufficient supply for your needs, plant 1 to 2 eggplants per household member. This way, you’ll have enough eggplants for your meals.
Conclusion
Have you ever wondered what conditions these dark, glossy beauties thrive in? They prefer warm, well-draining soil and a sunny spot in your garden. Starting them indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date ensures they have a head start. When transplanting, be gentle with the roots and space the plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow ample room for growth.
FAQs
What is the secret for growing eggplant?
Successful eggplant cultivation, especially the Black Beauty variety, requires effective moisture management. Applying mulch helps conserve moisture in the soil, vital during dry spells. Ensure you water your plants frequently, starting from when the transplants are first established.
Eggplants need at least 1 inch of water a week, but 2 inches is preferable to help them not just survive, but thrive. This consistent moisture care ensures your eggplants grow robust and healthy.
Does black beauty eggplant need trellis?
Yes of course, it is wise to create a support system for Black Beauty eggplants. Staking not only keeps the fruit from touching the ground, which, in turn, reduces the risk of disease, but it also fosters an ideal fruit shape. This approach is especially beneficial for elongated eggplant varieties, ensuring they grow upright and healthy.
How many eggplants does a black beauty plant produce?
A Black Beauty eggplant typically produces between 4 to 6 large fruit per plant. This yield can increase if the plants are consistently well watered and regularly harvested. Known for its robust flavor, the traditional varieties of eggplant have a reputation for sometimes developing a bitter taste under stressful conditions.
How to plant eggplant step by step?
Choose the Location: Select a sunny and sheltered spot in your garden after the last frosts of spring.
Prepare the Soil: Enrich your soil with organic compost and sheep pellets, laying a layer of vegetable mix for planting.
Feed Regularly: Provide your eggplants with vegetable food every four weeks to support growth during the hot summer.
Watering and Mulching: Keep the soil consistently watered and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and manage temperature, crucial for producing healthy eggplants.
Can you grow black beauty eggplant in pots?
They do very well in containers, you can grow a black beauty eggplant in one. For success, use a large, well-draining container, place it in a sunny spot, water regularly, and fertilize every few weeks to encourage growth and fruiting.
