HOW TO GROW BRINJAL IN CONTAINERS

Brinjal, commonly known as Egg Plant or Baingan in India.  This low maintenance vegetable can be grown easily and effortlessly in containers/ pots.

NUTRIENT VALUE

Brinjal is an excellent source of Iodine and Potassium.  It is rich in fibre and low in calories, fat and sodium

SEASON/ TEMPERATURE

Brinjal is a warm season crop and requires good amount of heat/ direct exposure of Sun. Best season for growing a brinjal plant is Summer.  It requires warm temperature to grow properly and needs 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight.

PROPAGATION

Seeds should be sow in seedling trays or small plastic containers.  Water them thoroughly after sowing.  It will take about 10 -15 days to germinate the seed.  You should wait for another 4 – 5 weeks before transplanting in to pots/ containers. Height of the plant varies from 2 – 6 feet tall depending upon the variety. If you want to grow 2 or more plants in one pot, be sure to keep at least 18” spacing between the plants.

CONTAINER/ POT SIZE

Minimum container size is 12” (W) x 10” (H), the bigger the better.  You can choose any container Clay, Cement, Ceramic or Plastic.  However the best are Clay pots as they retain heat better than any other pots.  The pot should also have big drainage holes to help balance out the moisture level of the soil. Drainage holes will allow excess water to leave the pot, minimizing the risk of root rot.

SOIL

Brinjal grows best in well drained fertile soil (clay loam, silt loam or loamy soil) with rich organic material. Soil should be loosely placed into the containers, but it should not be compressed.

COMPANION PLANTS

Bush Beans & Peas are companion plants and can be grown along with Brinjal.  DO NOT grow Brinjal with Tomatoes or Corn.

FERTILIZER

Best is to use compost tea every three weeks until the fruit has set.  However if a lack of nutrition is your plants problem then you can add liquid fertilizer once every two weeks.  Better option is to use water soluble fertilizer.  Do not add it to dry soil.  Water your eggplant before adding it to the soil.  To determine an appropriate amount, refer to the instructions on the label of your fertilizer.  If the leaves of your Eggplant looks pale that means it requires more fertilizer.  A boost of 5-10-15 fertilizer will do.

CARE

Eggplant is sensitive to cold.  Protect eggplants from unexpected frost, specially in winters.  Cutworms are most common pests that attack eggplants, but they can usually be driven away by placing a cutworm collar over the plant. You may also use an organic pesticide to drive away pests.

HARVESTING

It will take 45 – 95 days after transplanting seedlings in container. It also depends upon the variety you have chosen.  Generally large-fruited eggplants are ready to harvest in 75-95 days from transplanting while small-fruited varieties are ready within 45 – 50 days.  Fruits should feel firm and a glossy coloured skin.  Harvest regularly or as and when required.  Don’t try to remove fruits by twisting/ pulling as this can break/ damage your entire plant instead use a sharp knife to cut the fruits from the plant.

Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Happy container gardening.