Eggplant is home to India. This herbaceous thermophilic plant, the fruits of which have an elongated shape and purple color. In severe climatic conditions, this representative of the flora is bred in seedlings, and then transplanted into the greenhouse. How to grow eggplant and get a wonderful harvest will be discussed in this article. Not every gardener can successfully cultivate this culture. People call these vegetables "blue."
How to grow eggplant: seedlings
With a competent approach, growing this vegetable is not at all difficult. Seedlings are sown in early February. Before doing this, they are tested for quality and germination. About a month before sowing, the seeds are placed in fabric bags and dipped in warm water for a day. Then take out, put in a saucer and put in a warm room. The bag is constantly moistened, trying to prevent it from drying out. After 5 days, the sprouts should hatch. This will determine the most promising specimens (out of 10 seeds, as a rule, only half germinates). Many gardeners are interested in the question of how to grow eggplant in order to protect them from pests and diseases? Before planting, you must first soak the seeds in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes (for disinfection), and then rinse them with water. Next, you need to put the seeds in a tissue bag and lower them into a warm nutrient solution for one day. After that, the seeds are laid on a plate and give them even more germination. The soil for eggplant seedlings should consist of one part of sod land and two parts of humus. Nutritious earth is poured into a box, seeds are sown. As soon as 2-3 leaves appear on the shoots, it is necessary to transplant them into peat cups. Seedlings should be regularly watered with warm water and protected from drafts. She will be ready to land in 2 months.
How to grow eggplant: planting in a greenhouse and care
The beds need to be made from soil rich in organic matter. Eggplants are planted in the greenhouse according to the 40 * 50 scheme. After planting in the greenhouse for three days, the plant must be shaded and watered daily. In further care, you need to create a favorable atmosphere for the good development of the plant. To do this, water the plant only in the morning, immediately after watering, the soil is loosened. Be sure to ventilate the greenhouse every day. This procedure allows you to protect eggplant from fungal diseases. Cultivation in the country of this culture implies regular top dressing. The first time it is done 20 days after planting. For the entire season, you need to feed the plants at least 4 times. During the period of fruit formation, eggplant should be watered abundantly.
Beneficial features
Eggplant is a low-calorie vegetable. It contains various vitamins, carotene and minerals: magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, etc. The fruits of the plant are very useful for the elderly. They are good for preventive use in case of atherosclerosis, heart diseases and gastrointestinal diseases.
Varieties
The most famous varieties are such as Diamond, Black Beauty, Albatross, Purple Wonder and others. They have various characteristics and yield indicators. For example, the Diamond eggplant is a compact, low bush of 45-55 cm. It is a productive and early ripe variety. Fruits form at the bottom of the plant.