What Are the Best Weather Conditions for Black Beauty Eggplant?
Black Beauty eggplant needs full sun to develop properly. Eggplants don’t tolerate cool weather, so the temperature during the growing season should be from 70°F (21°C) to 85°F (29°C).
What Types of Soil Conditions Does Black Beauty Eggplant Need?
Soil nutrition is also important for successful Black Beauty eggplant growing. This plant needs well-drained soil, rich in nutrients, and a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. You can find soil test kits at garden centers, and test the soil yourself. If your pH readings are not adequate, add organic fertilizer to the soil. The soil must also reach 60 °F (15°C) before planting your eggplant seedlings.
Can Black Beauty Eggplant Grow from Seeds?
You can grow Black Beauty eggplant from seed, starting them indoors about 12 weeks before planting time. Your indoor potting soil should be warm, ranging from 80°(27°C) to 90°F(32°C) for your seeds to sprout. When planting the seeds in flats or pots, sow groups of four seeds, covering them with one-quarter inches of soil. After you see sprouts, you can lower the soil temperature to 70°F (21°C). When your seedlings have three leaves, thin them out to 2 to 3 inches apart.
How to Harden Off Black Beauty Seedlings
It’s time to transplant your Black Beauty seedlings when they develop three sets of leaves. Harden off the seedlings before planting them outside because the change in temperature, sun and wind can shock the young plants. Just put them outside during the day, and bring them back inside at night for a few days.
How to Transplant Black Beauty Seedlings
Once you choose a sunny location for your garden, and the soil is at least 60°F (15°C), follow these steps to plant your seedlings.
- Prepare the soil by turning it over to 8-inches deep.
- Level the soil with a stone rake, removing any rocks and weeds.
- Set your eggplant seedlings 2 to 3 feet apart in a row, covering the root ball with soil.
- Space your rows 3 to 4 feet apart because Black Beauty eggplants need a lot of space for healthy growth.
- Water the seedlings thoroughly after planting.
- Continue watering them once per week for the entire growing season.
How to Tell if Black Beauty Eggplant Is Ripe
When your Black Beauty eggplants are deep purple, firm and shiny, they’re ready to harvest. They’re usually about 4 to 5 inches long at this time. It takes from 60 to 70 days for them to become ripe. If your eggplants have dull skin, then they’re overripe, and will have a bitter taste.
