What kind of eggplant to choose?
Eggplant varieties and their characteristics
There are quite a few varieties on the market today. eggplant. It is very important for the gardener not to make a mistake in choosing. V middle lane varieties intended for the southern zone should not be cultivated. It is better to choose a variety or hybrid recommended for your region. It is also possible to choose varieties suitable for open or protected ground.
Most of the new varieties and hybrids are compact plants of medium height (Matrosik, Maksik, Lebediny). With a height of no more than 40-65 cm, the varieties Almaz, Quartet, Serial differ. Vigorous hybrids - Behemoth (1.9-2.1 m), Pelican (1.2-1.8 m), Surprise (1.4-1.6 m).
Vegetable growers have the following requirements for modern eggplant varieties: they must be high-yielding, resistant to the main pathogens and pests, have good-tasting fruits with pulp without bitterness, with a small amount of seeds and a high content of solids.
V southern regions countries process the bulk of the harvest for canned food. There, requirements are imposed on the size and shape of fruits in accordance with the processing method. Varieties used for the preparation of canned saute should have cylindrical fruits, about 6-8 cm in diameter, with white pulp, without voids.
The shell of the fruit should fit snugly against the pulp - it is convenient to cut such fruits into narrow transverse circles. For the preparation of eggplant caviar, rounded fruits with a denser pulp are preferable.
When growing eggplant in northern regions early maturing varieties resistant to low temperatures are needed.
V dry areas varieties that tolerate the lack of moisture in the soil and air are preferred.
According to the duration of the growing season, very early varieties are distinguished - from germination to technical maturity less than 100 days; early - 101-115 days; mid-early - 116-130; late - 131-150 and very late - more than 150 days. However, depending on the growing conditions in a particular region, the beginning of fruiting in some years can shift by 20 or more days in one direction or another.
Eggplant varieties with pulp without bitterness:
Early varieties of eggplant
Alekseevsky
The fruits ripen on the 90-100th day after full germination. The fruit is cylindrical, dark purple, glossy, smooth, 15-18 cm long, weighing 100-190 g. The flesh is dense, white, with a pleasant taste. Fruits weighing more than 250 g are light purple. The variety is resistant to tobacco and cucumber mosaic viruses, tolerant to other diseases. Productivity in film greenhouses is 8-10 kg per 1 m 2.
F1 Behemoth
The fruits ripen on the 101st day after full shoots. The fruit is pear-shaped, dark purple in technical ripeness, 18-22 cm long, rounded apex. The pulp is medium dense, greenish-white. The taste is good and excellent. Fruit weight 322-341 g. Productivity 17.3 kg per 1 m 2.
F1 Valentine
The fruits ripen on the 90-95th day after full germination. The fruits are cylindrical, purple-black, shiny, smooth, 25-26 cm long, weighing 200-270 g. The flesh is dense, greenish-white. Resistant to tobacco mosaic virus. Productivity up to 10 kg / m 2.
Quartet
The fruits ripen on the 107-122nd day after full germination. The fruit is shortened pear-shaped, 11.5-14 cm long, 6-8 cm in diameter, dull, greenish-violet. The pulp is white-green, medium density with a large number of seeds, good taste. Fruit weight 102-123 g. Productivity 8.2-12.6 kg per 1 m 2.
F1 Max
The fruits ripen in 90-100 days from full shoots. The fruits are oblong-cylindrical, dark purple, shiny, smooth, up to 25 cm long, weighing 180-250 g. The flesh is dense, greenish-white. The taste is excellent. Productivity over 10 kg from 1 m 2.
F1 Nancy
The fruits ripen on the 75-85th day after full germination. Fruits are oblong-ovoid, dark purple, shiny, weighing 60-80 g. The flesh is dense, greenish-white with a pleasant taste. Productivity is 3.5-5 kg per 1 m 2.
Purple Haze
The fruits ripen on the 102nd day after full germination. The fruits are cylindrical, 15-18 cm long, 4-6 cm in diameter, glossy, from light lilac to lilac in color, with delicate skin and whitish flesh. Fruit weight 150-196 g. Productivity up to 10 kg per 1 m 2.
F1 Purple Wonder
The fruits ripen on the 95-100th day after full germination. The fruits are cylindrical, slightly curved, medium length, smooth, shiny, dark purple. The flesh is greenish-white with a pleasant taste. Fruit weight 100-350 g. Productivity up to 5 kg per 1 m 2.
Mid-season varieties of eggplant
Diamond
The fruits ripen on the 109-150th day after full germination. The fruits are cylindrical, dark purple, 15-20 cm long, 3-6 cm in diameter. The flesh is greenish, dense, without bitterness. Fruit weight 100-170 g. Productivity up to 8 kg/m2. It is recommended for cultivation in those regions where this crop produces an open field crop.
Comet
From germination to technical ripeness 118-125 days. The plant is compact, 75-90 cm high. The leaves are dark green, medium in size. The fruits are cylindrical, dark purple in technical ripeness. Fruit length 20-22 cm, diameter 5-5.7 cm. The flesh is white, dense, without bitterness. Fruit weight 125-170 g. Weakly affected by anthracnose and phytophthora. Yield 6 kg/m2
sailor
The fruits ripen on the 104-110th day after full germination. The fruit is oval, short, striped - with lilac and white stripes, glossy. The pulp is white. Fruit weight 143 g. Productivity up to 5 kg per 1 m 2.
Swan
The fruits ripen on the 100-130th day after full germination. Light green leaves and a green, anthocyanin-free stem well set off the white color of flowers and fruits of a cylindrical shape, 18-22 cm long and 5-7 cm in diameter with a very thin skin. The flesh is also white and very tender. Fruit weight 128-330 g. Productivity 2-3 kg per 1 m 2.
F1 Pelican
The fruits ripen on the 116-117th day after full germination. The fruit is cylindrical, 16-17 cm long, 4.5-5.2 cm in diameter. In technical ripeness, white, slightly glossy, with dense white pulp. Fruit weight 90-134 g. Productivity up to 7 kg per 1 m 2.
F1 Ping Pong
The fruits ripen on the 116-117th day after full germination. The fruit is round-oval, 5-7 cm long, 4.5-6.8 cm in diameter, white in technical ripeness, slightly glossy, with dense white pulp. Fruit weight 87-93 g. Productivity up to 7 kg per 1 m 2.
Surprise
The fruits ripen on the 116th day after full shoots. The fruit is cylindrical, glossy, dark purple, 20-22 cm long, 7-8 cm in diameter, weighing 300-400 g. The flesh is greenish-creamy, contains few seeds. The taste is excellent. Productivity 4.1-4.3 kg per 1 m 2.
Choosing the best for your garden, you automatically choose not only the quality of vegetables, excellent characteristics and taste, but also give yourself the opportunity to use a minimum of labor costs. Eggplant is a vegetable among the varieties of which any gourmet can find to his liking, and no matter what size, color, yield you prefer, there is plenty to choose from. Let's consider the best of them.
Early eggplants are good not only for the quick ripening of long-awaited vegetables, but also for the opportunity to get a full harvest in the northern regions. If in May you do not have the opportunity to plant eggplants in the ground, and in June night frosts are possible, you should choose early varieties for your garden. Choose for your garden hybrids that have proven themselves among farmers and gardeners.
King of the North
A hybrid with high resistance to frost, subject to hardening of young shoots. Ripeness occurs at 90 - 100 days, but many note that in 70 - 80 days, the fruits may already be fully formed.
From one plant it is possible to remove from 3 to 4 kg of even purple cylinders.
The taste is quite delicate, a small amount of voids even at maximum maturation. It is stored at a temperature of 12 - 15 degrees for up to two months, ideal for preparing blanks.
King of the North Eggplant Bibo Black Beauty
bibo
This is a white-skinned eggplant with super early ripening. After 60 - 70 days, you will remove from one bush up to 15 even and smooth snow-white vegetables weighing up to 500g. Unpretentious, and perfectly pollinated and matures both in the greenhouse and in the ground.
Black handsome
The variety has an ideal dark shade, the fruits are small, up to 200g, but up to 3 kg can be removed from one root. After 70 - 80 days it gives a friendly harvest, but it should be protected from the first frosts, it requires additional shelter.
These eggplants are best used in regions where there are no unexpected frosts, or grown in a greenhouse. Due to the longer ripening period than early maturing ones, it is worth carefully monitoring the temperature in the greenhouse. The more stable the temperature and humidity, the richer the crop will be.
Albatross
If you like teardrop-shaped eggplants, rounded, fleshy, without voids, then this is your option. Variety for fresh consumption, conservation and long-term storage. Easily tolerates transportation, has a high keeping quality, this has become the main reason for choice among farmers.
Eggplant Diamond Variety Albatross Eggplant Marzipan
Diamond
One of the most beloved gardeners of the middle lane. It is considered a dwarf shrub, but very branchy, formed in the form of a ball. Decorative. Aging period up to 80 days. From one bush you can get up to 8 kg. Fruit weight up to 180g. The formation of flowers occurs from June to August, and fruiting in this regard is long.
Marzipan
Connoisseurs of the tender and tasty pulp of this eggplant, not only for this reason, give it preference. It ripens in 110 - 120 days, has a beautiful pear shape, deep purple hue.
High-yielding ones grow well in greenhouses, they require care, but respond to it with friendly and good fruiting. Stable temperature and humidity allow you to choose tall plants - from 5 to 12 kg of vegetables can be removed from each such bush.
Robin the Hood
Mid-season hybrid, requires the formation of a bush, but has a low growth of up to 60 cm. The plant has thorns. Pear-shaped rounded fruits with low bitterness, ripening on the 90th day. Medium keeping quality, for all types of canning and cooking.
Description of the variety Robin Hood Policeman
High, up to 240 - 260 cm, ripens up to 120 days from the time of planting. Fruits ranging in size from 20 to 35 cm, yield - up to 9 kg. It requires the formation of a bush, it is enough to leave 2 stems, on which up to 15 fruits ripen at the same time.
Great taste for both fresh and pickling.
It is stored fresh for up to 2.5 months, loses its presentation somewhat, dries out, but the taste remains.
Sofia
Late-ripening variety with large fruits. Mature fruits reach 30 cm, and weigh up to 900 g. A bush up to 150 cm high, forms itself, but pinching is required. Up to 17 kg can be removed from one plant. very dense purple fruits. It is perfectly stored and transported, the shelf life is the highest among all varieties with such productivity - up to 3 months.
Eggplant Sofia Varieties for open ground
If you plan to grow eggplant outdoors, suitable hardy varieties are essential. In the middle lane, even the most tolerant vegetable to temperature changes requires shelter for the period of night frosts. Only zoned hybrids are ideal for a greenhouse.
Vakula
It is quite patient with temperature changes, you can plant seedlings at the end of May. Height up to 120 cm, has a strong and dense stem. Pinching is not required, the bush forms itself. Up to 8 kg of eggplant can be removed from one bush.
bull heart
It does not tolerate spring frosts, therefore, plant them in open ground after they have ended. Round fruits weighing up to 300g, bush up to 80cm, yield about 8-12 kg. Unpretentious in agricultural technology, but does not tolerate overflows.
Variety Alekseevsky Bull's heart Eggplant Vakula
Alekseevsky
One of the best for the street. The height of the bush is up to 70 cm, very branchy, the fruits are up to 150g, but in one season it is really possible to collect up to 9-10 kg. A garter is required, as the bush is very brittle.
White-skinned varieties were bred in order to get rid of the bitterness that is contained in the coloring enzyme. Eggplants of other colors were obtained by crossing.
Swan
One of the best white eggplants. It has not only white skin, but also flesh. Can be grown both in the ground and in a greenhouse. The height of the bush is up to 70 cm, the weight of the fruit is up to 250 g. The yield of one plant is up to 6 kg.
Icicle
Unusual due to its shape, which is attractive. Bush up to 80 cm. Fruits up to 300g. From one bush you can remove up to 5 kg.
Flamingo
The name speaks for itself - beautiful pink, curved fruits weighing up to 40xg. Ripe for 130 days. Bush up to 180 cm, sprawling and high-yielding. From one plant you can collect up to 16 kg.
Variety Flamingo Eggplant Icicle Swan
Purple Haze
Dark - pink fruits weighing up to 180 g, ripen, on average, in 120 - 130 days. Bush up to 150cm, branchy. It is afraid of frosts, in a greenhouse it is possible to remove up to 5 kg from one plant.
Yoga
Unusually - green fruits resembling bent corn. Each weighing up to 250g., Length up to 20cm. Bush up to 80 cm, semi-spreading, does not require formation. The flesh and skin are not bitter.
Emerald
Bright green fruits weighing up to 300g, ripen on average up to 100 days. The plant tolerates temperature changes, light drought. From one root in 120 days you can get up to 5 kg of vegetables.
Chinese lantern
80 - 110 days after sowing, at 70 cm, unusual eggplants begin to turn red. Unusual bright color, and the shape makes them look like a piece of jewelry. Weight up to 180g, yield - up to 3 kg per plant.
Eggplant Chinese Lantern Variety Yoga Lilac mist Eggplant emerald
Even the fact that new bright colors of the vegetable with low bitterness appeared did not detract from the standard purple favorites. Among them are leading varieties such as:
King of the North
Frost-resistant, technical maturity at 90-100 days, but can be harvested at 70-80 days. Up to 4 kg of even purple, very beautiful fruits are removed from the bush.
purple wonder
Hybrid. Tolerant of drought, but requires plenty of water at times. Bush up to 90 cm high. Beautiful elongated fruits, weighing up to 250g. Ripening for 90 - 115 days. From one plant you can get up to 8 kg of eggplant.
purple wonder Diamond
Dwarf variety. Height up to 50 cm, but the bush is very branched. It looks very decorative, in the form of a ball, does not require formation. Ripeness at 80 days. Fruits up to 180 - 200g.
During the season you can get up to 8 kg of beautiful bright purple fruits.
The best varieties for the Moscow region
The middle lane is a rather mild climatic zone, but late summer and early autumn do not allow late-ripening varieties to fully ripen. Greenhouses help with this, but it is still worth choosing early-ripening and mid-ripening varieties.
These varieties will give an excellent harvest, and bring a minimum of hassle:
- King of the North. Will give an excellent harvest in the absence of frost in early summer. It showed itself perfectly both in greenhouses and in the ground;
- Black Prince. It is worth choosing not only because of the decorative effect. Intense purple color hides tender flesh without bitterness, and it is possible to get fruits up to 8 kg from one bush;
- Sophia. Even when planting in the ground, and sheltering in the first week, you will receive up to 15 - 17 kg of large ones, up to 900g per season. Eggplant.
- Albatross. Mid-season, but ripening quite early. On the 90th day, you can remove the first fruits. Beautiful cylindrical shape and delicate taste. Tolerant of drought;
If you dream of a friendly and high yield, minimum labor costs and eye-pleasing vegetables, you should choose seeds that are zoned for your area, provide proper care, and do what you love with pleasure.
The central zone of Russia is distinguished by a temperate climate, cool summers, and the absence of strong winds. In summer and autumn, a large amount of precipitation falls, the spring is early, but with possible frosts, it often rains. Compared to the southern regions of sunny days, eggplant is not enough, but recently their number has been increasing and this crop can be grown without greenhouses.
In the conditions of such a growing season, it is easy to grow big harvest of eggplant, but the choice of plant varieties must be approached with special care, despite the fact that eggplants grow well in this area, bear fruit abundantly and in general it is not a problem to grow them. However, this is subject to proper cultivation and timely care. In order for the harvest to please with large fruits, high yields, it is necessary to select early-ripening varieties that are distinguished by high fruiting, varieties that are most resistant to various kinds of diseases of an infectious, bacterial type. Many people prefer hybrids for these purposes.
The best varieties of eggplant
Eggplant varieties "Boomer", "Klorinda" are suitable for growing in greenhouse conditions and in open ground conditions. However, open ground conditions are most favorable, so the plants get sick less, grow strong and healthy. Suitable multi-colored representatives of this culture of the variety "Ten", "Spark". Very quickly yields a precocious crop called "Krasnogolovik", the variety has become ideal for growing in greenhouse conditions due to its small bush. Medium-sized fruits can be obtained from the precocity of "Robin Hood", "Czech Early".
It is appropriate to engage in the cultivation of "Black Beauty". If the summer turns out to be especially sunny, then in open ground conditions the harvest will be simply amazing, although such a representative can be grown in greenhouses. The fruits are large, tasty, bitterness is absent. The fruits of this variety are ideal for long-term storage.
"Diamond" is distinguished by vegetable growers as one of the best varieties that can bear fruit highly in almost any climate. Long fruits, sometimes growing up to 20 cm, will please with their taste and lack of bitterness. The same can be said about the "Albatross", in this case, the fruits gain weight almost half a kilogram! The bushes themselves are low, strong.
hybrid varieties
In the climatic conditions of central Russia, it is customary to grow various hybrids, for example, Epic F1. Already 60 days after planting, the early ripening will begin to bear fruit. Teardrop-shaped fruits of a black-purple hue will surprise with their amazing taste. These eggplants are suitable for both canning and cooking hot dishes. When growing, there are no problems, since the hybrid is as resistant as possible to diseases and pest attacks. The yield is high.
"Purple Miracle" has small cylindrical fruits, but very tasty. Also grown are "Vicar", "Iceberg", "Golden Eggs", "Banana", "Fat Master", "White Egg", "BlackBeauty", "Black Moon", "Swan", "Pelican", "Ping Pong". ".
You can plant "Chinese Green", "Red Ruffled". Such varieties are distinguished by the unusual color of the fruit, which makes them a real highlight in home-made preparations. The same can be noted about the variety "Matrosik", "Rose Bink", "Pink Flamingo", "Othello", "Japanese Red", "Orange", "Turkish", "Nautilus". In central Russia, Solara, Donskoy, Arap, Maria, Donetsk Harvest, Valentina, Barbentane, Epic, Delicacy are grown.
Many varieties of eggplant can be successfully grow in the middle lane our homeland. Only here, when growing, you need to take into account some features, so to speak, the preferences of a particular variety. Namely, what soil he prefers, how many times it is desirable to water in greenhouse conditions and in open ground conditions, next to which crops eggplant growth will be as favorable as possible, and other little things. Depending on the composition of the soil, it is necessary to periodically apply the necessary fertilizers, if necessary, treat plant bushes and roots with preparations that allow you to protect the crop from diseases and pests.
After the introduction of a blockade on most products from European countries, the inhabitants of our state began to pay more attention to their own cultivation of vegetables. Eggplants have become very popular. They are rich in trace elements, fiber and vitamins.
Besides low-calorie product, and therefore it is included in the diet of all who lead an active lifestyle. There are many varieties of culture known in the world, and the best eggplant varieties for open ground are collected in one list, replenished with new species.
This plant is a perennial, but since seeds are always on sale, there is no need to grow them for breeding planting material.
Features of care
A vegetable of the nightshade family varies in shape, color and taste. In cooking it used for cooking second courses and preparations for the winter.
Sowing term
If there is a heated greenhouse, everything is clear, but otherwise it is required to calculate in advance the time when the weather will be without frost. The most optimal age of seedlings is considered 60-70 days. Thus, when planting in open ground, for example, from June 10, it is necessary to sow seeds in the second half of March.
seed processing
Last year's seeds are considered the best. They should be warmed up. at a temperature of + 250 C for about four hours, and then not 40 minutes, the temperature rises to +400 C. Next, the planting material is treated with a manganese solution, washed with water and sent to a solution of stimulants (aloe mummy or special products).
In order to activate the seeds before sowing, they should be laid out on gauze moistened with water and left for a couple of days. Determining the timing of sowing depends on the variety.
The soil
Eggplant - very demanding culture. The soil must be nutritious and breathable. Mineral fertilizers (potash, superforsate, saltpeter), manure and compost should be added to it. On poor soil, the plant will develop very slowly. It must be remembered that this culture is too sensitive to the "black leg" disease, and therefore, before sowing, the earth is watered with boiling water, disinfected or calcined on a baking sheet.
eggplant
Growing seedlings
Eggplants can be sown in special pots. This will avoid injury to the root system during transplantation. After the emergence of seedlings, the strongest shoot is left, and the rest are removed. When planning to carry out a pick, you can sow first in a common box, and then distribute the seedlings in other containers.
Transplantation in open ground
In the garden should find a site on a hill which is well lit. Even in excellent soil, sand with humus is first introduced in order to saturate the soil with nutrients and lighten it. 2 hours before planting, the seedlings are watered abundantly, and then they are placed vertically in the furrow and sprinkled with earth. The distance between the bushes should be at least 40 cm. They need to be watered with warm water so that the culture takes root better.
Early varieties of eggplant
Residents of central Russia for planting in open ground it is worth choosing a culture of early ripe varieties, frost-resistant and immune to diseases of the nightshade family.
Mid-season varieties of eggplant
This type of culture the first harvest gives 130 - 150 days after sowing. Mid-season eggplants, which we will describe below, ripen longer, however, they are more resistant to heat and untimely watering.
Good variety of colorful eggplants
Recently white eggplant, photos of which he eats on the Internet, were considered exotic for us. Gradually, they became popular among gardeners due to their delicate texture and amazing taste. The white variety is not bitter, but tastes like chicken meat or mushrooms, which earned it rave reviews.
The most common species in Russia were the following albino eggplants: Iceberg, Swan, Ping-Pong, White Egg, Pelican, Bibo.
Green varieties
Small round fruits of bright green color are quite popular in Southeast Asia. Domestic breeders too brought out good green views. For example, "Green" eggplant produces pear-shaped fruits weighing up to 300g. In such fruits, the pulp is not bitter and is white with a slightly green tint.
"Emerald" - early ripe variety, cultivated both under the film and in the garden. Large bushes are unpretentious and resistant to cold. Fruits of a cylindrical elongated shape can weigh up to 400 g, and their pulp is of medium density, creamy white in color. Eggplants delight with high yields.
Yellow, orange and red
These varieties of eggplant in our gardens are almost impossible to meet.
Interesting view of the "Golden Eggs"- an amazing variety with oval-shaped fruits bred by breeders from Holland. The pulp is enriched with carotene, and other characteristics of the culture are similar to other species.
miniature turkish eggplant differ in that their orange striped color appears during maturation. The young fruit is green and is characterized by a rich aroma, however, as they set in color, they begin to taste bitter. The fruits of this eggplant variety contain lycopene, which is used in the fight against cancer.
Red varieties reminiscent of tomatoes or small pumpkins. Mostly these eggplants are grown for ornamental purposes, as the plant forms a large sprawling shrub. The foliage and trunk are covered with thorns and painted purple or burgundy. The eggplant fruit is edible, but in adulthood, most varieties begin to taste bitter.
The main nuances important for eggplant
- The soil is constantly loosened to prevent compaction.
- Watering should be plentiful, and the water for this is preheated in the sun.
- During the season, eggplant bushes are fed three times. To do this, it is better to use slurry and manure or chicken manure.
- Weeds are always weeded and made sure that there are no diseases on the plant.
- Bushes should be spudded and tied up.
- Above the bed, it is worth making a film arc in order to stretch the film over the plants at night. This will prevent hypothermia.
Opinions of gardeners
I have been gardening for a long time, but I could not decide to plant eggplant. Finally, I chose the early ripe variety "King of the North", studied its characteristics and set to work. You will not believe, but after a long and careful care, I was able to harvest an unprecedented harvest! My husband and I ate plenty of fresh fruits, and we were able to preserve them!
Andrey Petrovich
Olga Ivanovna
I have long heard that there are multi-colored eggplants, and now I decided to try to breed them in my area. It turned out that it is not difficult if you follow all the care requirements and fulfill them on time. I purchased three different colors, and therefore my garden turned out to be fun and unusual when all the fruits are ripe. The taste of these fruits is no different from ordinary ones, and the yield is high.
Residents of the southern regions of Russia have long been accustomed to growing such crops as eggplant in large quantities. "Diamond", reviews of which are always only good, has become a real classic among gardeners. But this is far from the only variety: the counters today are full of an abundance of offers. Which one to choose? First of all, pay attention to the climatic features of the region in which you live. The variety must be adapted to them. In the Primorsky Territory, any species will readily bear fruit, but in Siberia, not every plant will be accepted. The growing conditions also matter. Seedlings can be adapted for open ground or greenhouse, as well as for growing on a balcony. But most often, the choice of Russians becomes eggplant "diamond". Reviews of summer residents guarantee a good result even in the absence of special skills in growing this crop.
Culture Features
It is not for nothing that the culture we are considering received the greatest popularity in warm regions - in the Caucasus and Ukraine. These are very heat-loving and capricious plants that do not develop well in a cool climate and refuse to bear fruit. Despite this, the diamond eggplant won almost universal love. The reviews emphasize that the plant itself is very compact, so a small greenhouse or even is suitable for growing. In addition, the bush does not need to be pinched, it itself is not inclined to let out extra shoots.
But that's not all. Novice gardeners and gardeners should be aware of how difficult it can be. It is extremely demanding on temperature conditions and lighting, and is also very afraid of drafts. It is necessary to create almost greenhouse conditions in order to grow strong bushes ready to bear fruit. Many people prefer to buy ready-made seedlings from nurseries rather than grow them themselves. In fact, this is also not always a good option. Greenhouse plants are often infested with aphids and other diseases. They are poorly adapted to open ground conditions, since seedlings were not hardened.
Another downside is the transfer itself. Eggplant tolerates it very hard, but here the plant is dug up, taken to the point of sale, where it is waiting for a buyer. Yes, and you will need time to bring it to their summer cottage. As a result, the plants get sick for a long time and enter the fruiting season late. If you do not live in the southern regions, then you will need the earliest ripening variety so that it has time to get sick, adapt, take root and bear fruit. In a cool climate, already in early August, the "blue ones" stop fruiting: there is not enough heat. A good choice in this case is eggplant "diamond". Reviews of gardeners confirm that, with fairly good adaptability, it is also very early.
Eggplant for open ground
For good fruiting, three conditions are necessary: a lot of heat, light and moisture. The homeland of this plant is southwestern Asia, which explains its exactingness. We will list the main ones for open ground, but it is necessary to correctly assess the capabilities of your region. The mild climate of central Russia makes it possible to grow these plants in open ground only when using seedlings; sowing seeds directly into the ground is possible only in the homeland of this crop.
When choosing seeds for open ground, first of all, pay attention to the ripening time. It is best if it is 90-110 days. This ensures that before the nights get cooler, the eggplant has time to bear fruit. At the same time, it is very good if the bush is formed low: in this case, the plants are easier to cover if the days are cool.
When choosing for open ground, you need to remember one more feature. This is a short day plant. What does it mean? It blooms when the daylight hours are less than 12 hours. If we plant plants in the ground in May, when the daylight hours increase over and over again, this can stimulate the rapid growth of the bush itself and the lack of flowering. At the same time, the summer resident will be surprised to notice an abundance of flowers at the end of July, when the day begins to wane. That's just the time for ripening in fruits in open ground is no longer there. This problem is solved by using hybrids that are adapted to the conditions of the region and do not depend on the length of daylight hours.
We continue to choose eggplant. Varieties for the Moscow region involve growing seedlings in open ground, which means that they must comply with the characteristics stated above. Many gardeners prefer not to take risks and choose a proven "diamond". Seeds in this case are sown in pots in mid-February, two months before planting in the ground. You should not rush, otherwise the plants may stretch out. With the onset of warm, stable weather, it is required to transplant seedlings into the ground. Choose a place that is very sunny and well warmed up. It is better if each seed is initially planted in an individual pot, because otherwise the plants get very sick during transplantation and may die. Everyone grows eggplants in the same way. You can choose varieties for the Moscow region from the following, focusing on the timing of fruit ripening. It is important that they coincide with the length of the warmest, summer period.
Eggplant varieties by maturity
The best varieties of eggplant, according to gardeners, are usually early-ripening hybrids that bear fruit with good pulp without bitterness. At the same time, species may differ in better fruiting, but require the creation of special conditions, which is not always possible. Hybrids are more versatile in this regard, and even an inexperienced summer resident gives a good harvest.
Early maturing varieties. The maturation period (from germination to technical maturity) is 90-110 days. These are very good indicators, an average of three months. That is, plants planted in mid-February in June may already begin to produce a crop. If climatic conditions allow you to take two crops, then you can prepare the second generation of seedlings. We list the most interesting varieties that are worth paying attention to:
- Eggplant "Diamond". A brief description of it is on each package with seeds. It belongs to mid-early varieties, although the ripening period also fits the description of early ripe ones. This usually depends on the conditions in which the eggplant grows. The cooler it is, the longer the fruit ripening time. The norm is considered to be up to 150 days before harvest. The bush is compact, 45-55 cm high, the fruits are located mainly in the lower part. What summer residents love him for is the friendly maturation of blue. Cylindrical, purple beauties reach 14-18 cm in length with a diameter of 4-6 cm. The mass is relatively small - about 150 g. The flesh is greenish, dense, without bitterness, and has excellent taste. The fruits perfectly tolerate transportation, are used in home cooking for conservation and processing. The best choice for a novice gardener is the Almaz eggplant. The description allows you to judge its qualities with which you will be satisfied.
- The early varieties also include "albatross", "banana", "hippopotamus", "black beauty" and hybrids "bourgeois F1", "avan F1", "almalik F1", "bagheera F1".
Eggplant: varieties for Siberia
In harsh climatic conditions, with a long spring and a short summer, it is quite difficult to grow heat-loving crops. These include eggplant. Varieties for Siberia are primarily early-ripening plants intended for open ground. Not every site has greenhouses, because their equipment is quite expensive. The Siberian gardener, first of all, prefers the variety "Early Ripening" of the Siberian selection. Its long, purple fruits are guaranteed to ripen. Unusual white eggplants "Easter Egg" also proved themselves well in Siberia. The yield is small - about 400 g per bush, but the fruits ripen very early.
Large-fruited varieties please with productivity, but their ripening time is somewhat late. Despite this, some of them can be grown outdoors. This is an eggplant variety "diamond", "Donskoy 14", "spherical", "Ilya Muromets". In the conditions of Siberia, a bush can produce only one or two fruits, but each of them reaches a mass of 500 and even 700 g. All of the listed varieties can be grown in open ground, but film cover will only improve yields. It can only be used during a period when the air temperature has dropped slightly, during rainy times or in August, to stimulate fruit ripening.
Growing in greenhouses
If you do not live in the warmest regions and do not want to risk the future harvest, then it is better to choose eggplants for the greenhouse. There are varieties for every taste, while they will surely please you with a harvest, because the greenhouse eliminates a sharp temperature drop. If you have small greenhouses built on your site or you use a film shelter on a frame, then a short and early "Robin Hood" would be a good choice. It is distinguished by good productivity and unpretentiousness. Fruits weighing 200-300 g. Bush no more than 100 cm high.
The best varieties of eggplant for unheated film greenhouses are "Joker", "Romantic", "Bumbo", "Vakula". Excellent yields were shown by the blue sperm whale, pink flamingo, namesake and torpedo. All these varieties are distinguished by medium-sized bushes, up to 170 cm high.
For heated greenhouses, you can choose vigorous, very productive crops that will bear fruit even in a fairly cool autumn period. In such conditions, you can shoot several crops per season. These plants grow well in unheated greenhouses, but when weather conditions change (autumn cooling), fruit development will stop. These are varieties "dolphin", "airship", "don quixote", "F1 bard", "F1 goliath", "F1 policeman". The height of the bush reaches 3 meters, the weight of the fruit is up to a kilogram. These blue ones require bush shaping, tying and pinching. With proper care, each bush produces a good amount of fruit.
Sowing dates
Now let's talk a little more about when to sow eggplant. If there is a heated greenhouse or hotbeds, everything is clear, otherwise you need to calculate in advance when steadily warm weather without frost sets in in your region. The optimal age of seedlings is 60-70 days, that is, if you plant it in the ground on June 10, then the seeds should be sown in the second half of March. Longer time spent in pots. fraught with disease and poor transplant tolerance.
seed processing
It is better to use the seeds of the last year of assembly. They should be heated for 4 hours at a temperature of +25 degrees. After that, it is good to raise the temperature to +50 for 40 minutes. Now the seeds should be soaked in potassium permanganate for 20 minutes, and then rinsed with water and put in a solution of biological stimulants. It can be special preparations, aloe or mummy. The busiest vegetable growers are advised to follow at least one rule. Seeds must be activated before sowing. To do this, they are laid out on gauze, which is moistened with water, and left for 2-3 days. Another point: you can decide on the question "when to sow eggplants" after familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of the variety. The most late-ripening can be sown as early as February.
The soil
Eggplant seeds, like the plants themselves, are demanding on the composition of the soil. It should be light, breathable and quite nutritious. It is necessary to add compost and manure, as well as mineral fertilizers: superphosphate, potash fertilizers, ammonium nitrate. In poor soil, plants will develop very slowly. Eggplant is very susceptible to a disease called blackleg. Before sowing, the land must be disinfected, ignited on a baking sheet or poured with boiling water.
Growing seedlings
Eggplant seeds should be sown in individual pots. Since plants do not tolerate transplanting well, this is a good way to avoid injury to the root system. Experts recommend laying 3 seeds in each pot, and after germination, choose the strongest shoot. The rest should be removed. If you plan to make a pick, then you can initially sow the seeds in a common box, and then distribute them into separate containers. These can be ordinary plastic cups or special pots with a retractable bottom.
Transplant to the ground
In the country, you should find the most elevated and sunny area, it is desirable that solanaceous grow on it before. Even if the land is very good, sand and humus must be added to it so that it is lighter and more nutritious. In two hours, the seedlings need to be well watered, and then vertically placed in the prepared furrow and covered with earth. The distance between the bushes should be at least 40 cm. Use heated water for irrigation. In this case, the landing itself is best done in the evening. This will allow the plants to take root normally. For a few days it is better to provide protection from direct sunlight.
Following these recommendations will allow you to get a high yield from grown seedlings. Carefully consider the choice of variety, because each of them has unique characteristics, only taking into account which you can get a good result.
