Eggplant Seedlings
Basic Information on Commercial Farming with Eggplants from Seedlings
Solanum melongena, or widely known as brinjal or eggplant, is a popular vegetable in South Africa because of its many culinary uses. Eggplants are propagated from seedlings. Eggplant seedlings are now available for commercial farming from top seedling propagators in South Africa like Hishtil SA.
Temperature Sensitivity
Though the plant is quite hardy, it does not tolerate low temperatures very well; in fact, eggplant seedlings should be transplanted in areas not experiencing temperatures below 10 °C. However, too-high temperatures also affect production, as the plant does not perform well in areas experiencing temperatures above 34 °C. The best temperature range for growing eggplants from seedlings is 27-28 °C. The seedlings should be transplanted when it is warm enough to ensure good plant growth that will allow the plants sufficient time on the field to grow to maturity before it becomes too hot for optimal production.
The best time to produce eggplants in the frost-free parts of the Mpumalanga Lowveld is February-May and in the Western Cape, it is October-December. For the cooler part of the Highveld, propagation should take place October-November and in the moderate areas of South Africa, propagation should be in September-December. Eggplants have a long growing season and when growing from seedlings, the time on the field can be significantly reduced. Flowering is not affected by the length of the day, but fruit setting is reduced when the plant is exposed to cooler temperatures or too-high humidity.
Best Soil Conditions
Eggplant seedlings should be established in well-drained loam soil or slightly sandy loam combination soil if possible. The plants can be grown in other soil types as well, depending on the water-holding capacity and composition of the soil. It is important to prepare the soil for optimal production capacity. If the soil is sandy, the aim should be to reduce erosion, while with a heavier soil type, the goal should be to eliminate, or at least reduce, crust formation. Ridging must be done according to land contours to lead excess water away from the roots and to ensure optimal soil depth for good root establishment. The pH range of the soil should be 5,5-6,5. Prolonged saturation of the soil causes root rot, so good drainage is essential. Proper soil preparation also helps with good establishment of eggplant seedlings and deep rooting. This helps the plant obtain optimal nutrition from the soil and thus produce better-quality fruits.
Types
Various types are available. Farmers can obtain quality seedlings from top nurseries such as Hishtil SA, whose consultants provide guidance regarding the varieties that are suitable for the respective growth areas. The most popular cultivar has a dark purple skin.
Where to Purchase Eggplant Seedlings for Commercial Farming
Hishtil SA supplies eggplant seedlings in bulk to farmers across South Africa. Seedlings are chemically treated before delivery for adequate protection before the farmer starts with the normal chemical programme. Farmers are can call for more information and assistance in choosing eggplant seedlings according to their requirements.
Solanum melongena, or widely known as brinjal or eggplant, is a popular vegetable in South Africa because of its many culinary uses. Eggplants are propagated from seedlings. Eggplant seedlings are now available for commercial farming from top seedling propagators in South Africa like Hishtil SA.
Temperature Sensitivity
Though the plant is quite hardy, it does not tolerate low temperatures very well; in fact, eggplant seedlings should be transplanted in areas not experiencing temperatures below 10 °C. However, too-high temperatures also affect production, as the plant does not perform well in areas experiencing temperatures above 34 °C. The best temperature range for growing eggplants from seedlings is 27-28 °C. The seedlings should be transplanted when it is warm enough to ensure good plant growth that will allow the plants sufficient time on the field to grow to maturity before it becomes too hot for optimal production.
The best time to produce eggplants in the frost-free parts of the Mpumalanga Lowveld is February-May and in the Western Cape, it is October-December. For the cooler part of the Highveld, propagation should take place October-November and in the moderate areas of South Africa, propagation should be in September-December. Eggplants have a long growing season and when growing from seedlings, the time on the field can be significantly reduced. Flowering is not affected by the length of the day, but fruit setting is reduced when the plant is exposed to cooler temperatures or too-high humidity.
Best Soil Conditions
Eggplant seedlings should be established in well-drained loam soil or slightly sandy loam combination soil if possible. The plants can be grown in other soil types as well, depending on the water-holding capacity and composition of the soil. It is important to prepare the soil for optimal production capacity. If the soil is sandy, the aim should be to reduce erosion, while with a heavier soil type, the goal should be to eliminate, or at least reduce, crust formation. Ridging must be done according to land contours to lead excess water away from the roots and to ensure optimal soil depth for good root establishment. The pH range of the soil should be 5,5-6,5. Prolonged saturation of the soil causes root rot, so good drainage is essential. Proper soil preparation also helps with good establishment of eggplant seedlings and deep rooting. This helps the plant obtain optimal nutrition from the soil and thus produce better-quality fruits.
Types
Various types are available. Farmers can obtain quality seedlings from top nurseries such as Hishtil SA, whose consultants provide guidance regarding the varieties that are suitable for the respective growth areas. The most popular cultivar has a dark purple skin.
Where to Purchase Eggplant Seedlings for Commercial Farming
Hishtil SA supplies eggplant seedlings in bulk to farmers across South Africa. Seedlings are chemically treated before delivery for adequate protection before the farmer starts with the normal chemical programme. Farmers are can call for more information and assistance in choosing eggplant seedlings according to their requirements.
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