Started 12 seeds (2 varieties) on March 17. Didn't know they needed bottom heat so applied a heat mat around April 1st. Now have a total of three seedling which have emerged (2 of 1 variety and 1 of the second variety).
I'm very hesitant to risk my summer production to three tiny seedlings. Is it too late to try to start another round? I'm on Zone 5a Chicago area and our last frost date is May 15th. I can get starts from the local nursery but these are Italian Heritage varieties I'd like to try...
Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
Eggplant
I'm not an expert on eggplants but I am starting more from seed tonight (inside on the growmat thingy). My first starts don't look quite right to me (they probably really are fine--their leaves just look kind of wrinkly to me) so I'm starting more. I love eggplant so I'm not giving in! I think what they really want out in the garden is heat & water. Even if they are a bit late they'll get that here!
Yeah, I'm just now starting with seeds outside, so surely way up there you're fine to get another batch started. (Of course, I always end up with more than I need, so I guess I don't feel as super concerned about eggplant productivity as I do with the tomatoes and peppers.)
I'm starting mine tomorrow. I tried already but didn't keep them warm enough so I'll have another go at it. Never say never!
ep takes a while to sprout and does not have a 100% germination rate. They like high temps, too. Make sure to keep it in the 65-90 degree range. 80 is the most optimal. Over 95 and the seeds will fry. And keep it evenly moist.
If you are experiencing really low germination rates, try to pre sprout them in a wet paper towels in a plastic bag on the top of the fridge. They should sprout in 2-4 days. Check them often. When the seeds start to sprout, immediately plant them in soil with a similiar temp in which they were sprouting. Presprouting helps the seeds sprout evenly. It will also allow you to know what are the duds so that you don't waist time and resources.
This message was edited Apr 21, 2010 7:07 PM
I always put 2-4 seeds in each cell or pot when starting eggplant because they really do have spotty germination for me as well, even fresh seed. Mine have been in the garden maybe a month and they are really growing now that we're warm. They grow all summer throught the heat here and I usually have my bumber crop in the fall. Last year I had one eggplant (Black Beauty) in a pot still producing at Christmas - lol.
Thanks for the tips.
I did remember the heat mat - the eggplant was the first thing to sprout. The tomatos didn't sprout until after I took the flat off the heat - and I think I actually steam-cooked the pepper seeds.
Anyway, even after my Frost date, the eggplants usually sulk another 2-3 weeks until it gets good and hot. So I think you have time to start some more eggplant - especially if it is a variety that you need to save seed from. Save back part of your seeds for next year in case some other unforeseen disaster strikes.
Everyone,
Thanks for the encouraging words! I'll give it another try. Pollengarden - when do you usually get your first eggplants?
Hostamomma: I would start more seeds if you want more plants. Eggplants really like warm temps and don't begin to do anything until the soil temperature warms up. If you have a few plants that are started later, you will only extend your crop, and that's a good thing.
This is only the second time I've done eggplant from seed here. I don't remember for sure, I think maybe August? And that is probably the best I'll do this year, too - my seedlings are tiny. I'm definitely starting my tomatoes earlier next year, but I haven't decided about the eggplant - they just sulk until the weather gets hot anyway.
Have you heard of straw bale gardening? I know someone who does it, and she says the eggplants really like the straw bale treatment.