Eggplant planting methods and management points

As a transplantable vegetable, eggplant usually needs to be germinated and raised before planting, and then transplanted into the field. Eggplant has a wide range of adaptability to soil conditions and can thrive in a variety of soil types, but there are still many things to pay attention to if you want to achieve high yields. Let's learn about eggplant planting methods and management points.

1. Planting time

The timing for growing eggplant is mainly divided into two seasons: spring and autumn. In the north where the climate is dry and the temperature rises slowly, eggplant is usually sown in March and April, and the seedling period from sowing to transplanting takes about 50 days. In the south where the climate is warm and the temperature rises quickly, sowing can be advanced to February or March, and the seedling period is about 30 to 35 days.

It is recommended that growers should decide the planting time according to the local temperature. Generally speaking, when the spring temperature remains stable at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius for 5 to 7 consecutive days (the sowing temperature range is 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the optimal sowing temperature is about 20 to 23 degrees Celsius) and the late frost and spring cold weather are over, it is suitable to start sowing and transplanting eggplant. If the temperature is too low during sowing, seed germination may be delayed, emergence may be uneven, or even seed rot may occur; sowing too late may delay the transplanting and planting period, shorten the eggplant's growth cycle, and thus affect yield.

2. Seed treatment and germination

The eggplant seed preparation and germination process is relatively simple: First, place the eggplant seeds in the sun for two days to break their dormancy. The seeds are then placed in warm water at 53 to 55 degrees Celsius and stirred for 15 minutes for high temperature sterilization. Next, move the seeds to clean water at 28 to 30 degrees Celsius and soak them for 6 to 8 hours to promote seed water absorption and softening of the seed shell. Finally, wash the seeds to remove the mucus, wrap them with wet gauze, and place them in a warm and humid environment of about 28 degrees Celsius to keep them warm and moist until most of the seeds germinate and then they can be used for sowing and seedling raising.

3. Sowing and raising seedlings

Determine the amount of seed required per acre (usually 30 to 50 grams) and calculate the number of seedlings and planting area accordingly. Before sowing, make sure the soil is fully moist, then spread the seeds evenly on the seedbed and cover with 0.8 to 1.2 cm of fine soil. Finally, cover with plastic film to keep in heat and moisture, and promote rapid germination of seeds. After sowing, keep the soil moist and the temperature of the seedbed controlled at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day and 16 to 20 degrees Celsius at night. In case of drought, spray water to increase humidity in the morning and evening, and ventilate appropriately at noon. Eggplant seeds generally germinate about a week after sowing.

4. Transplanting and planting management

① When the eggplant seedlings grow 4 to 5 true leaves (about 5 to 6 leaves), they can be prepared for transplanting to the field. When transplanting, ensure that the soil temperature is not lower than 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, and prepare the land and apply fertilizer half a month before planting.

② 5 to 7 days before transplanting, increase ventilation and control moisture appropriately to train the seedlings and improve their stress resistance and survival rate. During the low-temperature hardening period, adjust the temperature of the seedbed to 15 to 18 degrees Celsius during the day and 10 to 12 degrees Celsius at night, and increase ventilation appropriately.

③Spray fungicide 3 to 5 days before transplanting to prevent diseases. Water the plants thoroughly the day before transplanting and dig up the seedlings with soil the next day to reduce root damage.

④ Choose a cloudy or sunny afternoon for transplanting to reduce leaf water evaporation and increase the survival rate.

⑤ Select high-quality seedlings that are short and strong, with thick stems, well-developed root systems, large leaves and dark green color for transplanting.

⑥ According to the soil fertility, planting pattern and variety characteristics, flexibly control the planting density, and the actual number of seedlings planted per mu is about 3,500 to 4,500.

⑦ The planting depth should be moderate, so that the soil at the base of the seedling roots is level with the ground or slightly higher, avoid being too deep.

⑧ Use microbial agents to dip or irrigate the roots to promote root growth and prevent diseases. If the seedlings have too many leaves, you can cut off 1 to 2 lower old leaves.

⑨ Water thoroughly immediately after transplanting, and provide shade and sun protection. Pay attention to shade and sun protection within 3 days after transplanting. Water again 2 to 3 days after planting to promote seedling survival.

5. Water and fertilizer management

Supplement nutrients 5 to 7 days from the time eggplant buds appear to the time before flowering to promote flowering and fruiting. Apply 10 to 15 kg of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium balanced compound fertilizer or 3 to 5 kg of balanced water-soluble fertilizer per mu. After the eggplant blooms, control water appropriately to promote fruit setting.

When the eggplant fruits begin to swell, keep the soil moist and apply top dressing fertilizer 2 to 3 times. In combination with watering, apply 15 to 20 kg of high-nitrogen or balanced compound fertilizer, or 5 to 6 kg of high-nitrogen or balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and macro-element water-soluble fertilizer per mu. Apply high-potassium compound fertilizer or high-potassium macro-element water-soluble fertilizer once every 15 days or so. Stop fertilizing after the fruit changes color and matures, and stop watering 5 to 7 days before harvest.

6. Pinching and leaf removal

For greenhouse eggplants that need hanging curtains, when the main stem grows to 1.5 to 1.8 meters or touches the roof of the greenhouse, pinch off the top 2 to 3 centimeters of the growth point, leaving 1 to 2 functional leaves. The new branches should also be pinched when they bloom.

When the eggplants are established and grow to 3 to 4 cm in size, start removing the old yellow leaves in the middle and lower parts, leaving 2 to 3 functional leaves under each young fruit. When picking leaves, pick 1 to 2 leaves at a time, and do it in batches to avoid picking too many leaves at one time, so as not to affect the growth and yield of eggplant. So as not to affect the growth and yield of eggplant.

The above is an introduction to the key points of eggplant planting and management. If you want to achieve high yields in eggplant planting, it is very important to start from soil selection, seed treatment, transplanting management and other aspects.