Easy-to-care and amazing-tasting eggplant “King of the Market”

Description of culture

The hybrid King of the Market was developed by the agronomic holding "NK Russian Garden" by crossing the frost-resistant eggplant "Gardener's Dream" and the disease-resistant Prince variety.

Eggplant is not bitter and has a rich blue-black color. Suitable for growing in greenhouses and open ground. Among other nightshades, it stands out for its good transportability and rapid adaptation to climate change.

Characteristic features of the hybrid:

• the height of the bush reaches 90 cm when grown in greenhouses and 50 cm in an open area;
• ovary growth from 20 to 25 cm;
• medium-sized leaves with pronounced purple patches on the underside and velvety on the front;
• the stem is covered with villi, thickened towards the root;
• purple flowers with purple veins at the base of the inflorescence;
• the stalks are without thorns, they practically do not bend and break well - the fruits are cut with special scissors or picked by hand.

Reference! This is an early ripening vegetable, but it requires a growth temperature of at least +24 °C, otherwise the eggplants will be distorted.

Fruiting and productivity

The fruits of the hybrid are elongated, cylindrical in shape, have dense white pulp with creamy areas where the seeds are located and a thin peel. The length of eggplants is up to 22 cm with a diameter of 6 cm.

The plant takes two months to fully mature. The yield is high - you can collect up to 10 fruits from one bush. By weight it is approximately 50-60 kg per 10 sq. m.

The keeping quality of the fruit is excellent; special storage conditions are not required.

Landing

King of the Market seedlings are planted in the last days of May. It’s easier for residents of the South of Russia; they can sow eggplant seeds directly into open ground. In other regions, a prerequisite for a good harvest will be the implementation of two stages of planting: seedling technique and transplantation into a vegetable garden or greenhouse. Seedlings are prepared from February or March. When February is chosen, the last days of the month are most suitable, and in the first days of June it will be possible to plant young eggplants in the beds.

Seeds must be treated with a growth stimulant. You will also need to prepare the soil for pots or peat (plastic) trays. Mineral supplementation is required. To grow strong, healthy seedlings, you can use the optimal soil composition of one part humus, two parts turf and add peat, it will loosen the mixture, and the eggplants will be happy about it.

When the first shoots appear, the greenhouse is prepared. The temperature in it should be reduced to plus 15 degrees. The seedlings are brought there for hardening and acclimatization. After two weeks, the sprouts should get stronger, and the greenhouse temperature rises to 24 °. Seedlings can be planted in the garden after 70 days from the moment the sprouts appear.

Seating can be done according to any pattern. As a standard, there should be a distance of 40 centimeters between one hole and another, and about 60 centimeters between one and the other row. Around the newly established young eggplant plants, the soil will need to be loosened and fertilized. In addition to wood ash, superphosphate can serve as a top dressing.

When the eggplant bushes grow, they can be tied up, especially in a greenhouse, where they will stretch out more than in open air conditions. Three or four times during the season, eggplant bushes are fertilized. The first feeding is carried out exactly a week after the seedlings are planted in the garden or greenhouse. In 7 days, the seedlings will take root and the roots will absorb nutrients.

When the eggplant plant blooms, it is best to use complex microelements and minerals, and when it begins to bear fruit, then nitrogen and phosphorus. An excess of elements is as harmful to eggplants as a deficiency.

Since the eggplant “King of the North” F1 is not in the State Register, it also does not have zoning. In the conditions of the Middle Zone, including in the Moscow region, it grows well and produces a decent harvest even under the simplest film covers. It is difficult to grow eggplants in the middle zone without any shelter: at temperatures below 20 degrees they frankly “slow down,” and summer is not endless.

The formation of plants is approximately the same as that of other varieties. It is necessary to remove yellowing leaves, all side shoots up to the first inflorescence and then all ovaries and excess shoots, except for 7...10 pieces. I leave 7...8 eggplants on the plant.

During the entire growing period, eggplant requires regular watering and fertilizing with a full NPK complex and preferably with microelements. At least three are needed - approximately 10 days after planting in a greenhouse or open ground, at the peak of flowering and during intensive fruit growth.

Advantages:

• relatively early ripening;
• high productivity;
• excellent fruit taste.

Flaws

This eggplant has no obvious shortcomings - except perhaps the shape of the fruit. Overall I like it better than Black Beauty.

Eggplant is not the easiest vegetable to grow, especially in the middle zone and the Siberian region. It needs a long and warm summer, fertile soil, and just a lot of attention. The appearance of the hybrid King of the North F1 partially solved the problem: it is characterized by cold resistance, unpretentiousness and the ability to bear fruit well in not the most favorable weather conditions.

Eggplant King of the North F1 appeared recently; it is still not included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements; the regions for its cultivation are not legally defined. However, all its known properties suggest that this hybrid can be planted wherever eggplants can, in principle, be grown. It is distinguished by its high yield of beautiful fruits and amazing resistance to cold weather.

King of the North F1 is an early ripening hybrid, suitable for cultivation both in greenhouse conditions and in unprotected soil.

According to numerous observations by gardeners, the first fruits reach technical ripeness 110–120 days after sowing the seeds.

It was bred for the northern regions of our country, which are part of the risky farming zone, but is grown everywhere.

This is all the more justified by the fact that the fruits are mainly located in the lower part of the bush, and even lie on the ground. The leaves are medium sized, green, with lighter veins. The flowers are small, purple with a lilac tint.

The stalks are thornless, which makes harvesting easier.

King of the North F1 bushes are compact, but the fruits often lie on the ground

The overall yield is above average, up to 10–12 kg/m2. You can get up to 12 fruits from one bush, but their setting and ripening is not simultaneous, it lasts for 2–2.5 months. In open ground, fruiting lasts until the end of summer; in greenhouses it extends into September.

The fruits are elongated, almost cylindrical, slightly curved, often growing in bunches, like bananas. Their length reaches 30 cm, but since they are thin (no thicker than 7 cm in diameter), the average weight does not exceed 200 g.

Record holders grow to 40–45 cm in length and 300–350 g in weight. The color is dark purple, almost black, with a strong shine.

The purpose of the crop is universal: the fruits are fried, stewed, canned, frozen, and made into caviar. At a temperature of 1–2 °C and a relative humidity of 85–90%, the fruits can be stored for up to a month, which is a very good indicator for eggplants. They are normal and transported over long distances.

Appearance

Both the hybrid bush and its ripe fruits look very elegant. Of course, this only happens in the case of conscientious care, when the bushes are formed correctly, watered and fed on time, and the fruits are allowed to ripen normally and are not left on the bushes.

The fruits of this eggplant sometimes look like bunches of bananas, but sometimes they grow singly

King of the North F1 has not been known for very long, but has already earned a lot of positive reviews. True, sometimes they are contradictory: what some gardeners consider an advantage, others consider a disadvantage.

So, you can read that the fruits of the hybrid have an excellent taste, but without frills or piquancy.

Nearby, other lovers write something like: “Well, how great is it if it doesn’t differ in any way from the taste of other eggplants?”

Among its undoubted advantages are the following.

• Highest cold resistance. It can grow and bear fruit in seasons that are cold throughout and characterized by sharp temperature fluctuations. At the same time, unlike most eggplant varieties, it does not tolerate heat well, which hinders its cultivation in the southern regions. But the conditions of the middle zone, Siberia, and the North-Western region are quite suitable for him. Even at temperatures close to 0 ° C, the hybrid bushes are not damaged.
• Good seed ripening and, as a consequence, their subsequent high germination rate. It is believed that for eggplants the germination rate of prepared seeds is about 70% - very good. King of the North, unlike other varieties, shows these percentages for dry seeds.
• Unpretentiousness to growing conditions. Some stages of agricultural technology when growing this hybrid can be skipped altogether. The bush does not require gartering or shaping. Its seedlings take root well both in greenhouses and in open ground.
• Increased resistance to disease. Such dangerous diseases as powdery mildew, various types of rot, late blight are uncharacteristic for it even in cold and wet years.
• Good taste and versatility of fruit use. It is often said that its aroma has too little mushroom notes, but it is not a mushroom! (Although, of course, Emerald F1 is also not a mushroom, but it tastes like mushroom caviar). But in general, the taste of the fruit is no worse than that of most other varieties.
• High commercial quality, safety and transportability of fruits. These properties make the hybrid commercially profitable and allow it to be grown not only on private farms.
• High yield. On the forums you can find messages that only 5 kg were obtained from 1 m2. Of course, 5 kg is not very little, but more often there are reports of 10–12 kg, or even higher. Such productivity is associated with long-term flowering and can, of course, be achieved only if a long summer regime is created.

Since nothing is without flaws, the King in the North also has them. True, these are mostly relative disadvantages.

• Not everyone likes long fruits. This manifests itself both in cooking and in growing. Yes, for some dishes thick, barrel-shaped or pear-shaped fruits are more convenient. Well, what kind there are... In addition, because of their length, they often lie on the ground and get dirty. But you can combat this by placing a layer of dry mulch or even, as in the case of pumpkins, plywood or planks under the fruits.
• Inability to reproduce independently. Yes, the King of the North is a hybrid, and there is no point in collecting seeds from it; you have to buy it annually. But, unfortunately, this misfortune befalls summer residents not only in the case of eggplants.
• Not everyone likes a simple taste, without any frills. Indeed, this hybrid has a standard eggplant taste. But he is completely devoid of bitterness, which, in turn, is rather a virtue.

Germination of seeds

Sowing of seeds begins in late February-early March, depending on the climate of the region. First, the seed is soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate to determine germination. Only those grains that have sunk to the bottom are suitable.

The seeds are planted to a depth of 1 cm. It is recommended to plant each plant in a separate box or container with a volume of at least 150 ml - this will make it easier to transplant the crop to a permanent place.

Optimal soil composition:

• 300 g peat;
• 1 kg of humus;
• 2 kg of turf soil.

Before planting the seeds, the soil mixture is poured into pots and heated for 10 days, watered with potassium solution or Fitosporin, and then covered with transparent oilcloth.

Sprout care

Eggplant seeds sprout a week after planting. Seedlings are watered for the first time only when seedlings appear.

Important! It is impossible to fertilize plants - this causes hypervitaminosis, which manifests itself first in the wild growth of seedlings, and then in their death.

At the growth stage, eggplant must be provided with:

• optimal lighting level – daylight hours 12 hours;
• frequent and abundant watering with warm water (sometimes you can spray the seedlings, replacing watering);
• protection from drafts and sudden temperature changes - containers are not placed close to window frames and heating appliances.

Description of the eggplant variety Market King F1, features of cultivation and care

The eggplant variety King of the F1 market has proven itself well and is valued for its friendly yield, which is characterized by increased taste characteristics. It is the taste of the fruit that allows this vegetable to be used in the preparation of first and second courses, salads, sauces, as well as in preparations for the winter.

Eggplant King of the F1 market belongs to early ripening hybrids. The duration of ripening ranges from 100 to 110 days. Technical ripeness is determined by its dark purple color.

The plant in the form of a compact bush forms shoots colored green-violet. The bushes are decorated with green foliage with a purple tint. Attracting attention are the beautiful cylindrical-shaped fruits, 18-22 cm long, 6 cm in diameter, characterized by a smooth shiny surface of a rich purple color. The white pulp is dense and has no bitterness.

The eggplant variety Market King F1 is grown according to the standard scheme. The culture is cultivated by seedlings and does not require special conditions.

Landing dates

It is recommended to sow seeds in the last ten days of February. To obtain a quantitative and high-quality harvest, you need to pre-soak the seed using a non-concentrated solution of potassium permanganate or special means to increase germination.

Soil preparation

The plant is demanding on soil structure and fertility. The container in which the seedlings will develop must be filled with high-quality soil substrate. You can make it yourself from 2 parts turf soil, 1 part humus and a small amount of peat to loosen the mixture.

The soil must be warmed up for 10 days before sowing. To do this, you need to put it in pots, pour it with a solution of potassium permanganate and cover it with glass.

Sowing seeds

Sow the prepared material to a depth of 1 cm, keeping a distance of 1.5 cm between planting units. Water, then cover with a transparent film to maintain the optimal level of humidity.

Sprout care

The first shoots will not take long to appear: they will appear a week after sowing. During this period, watering and fertilizing should be avoided, as this will first lead to vigorous growth and then mass death of seedlings.

Caring for eggplant seedlings includes:

1. Lighting, since sprouts need daylight for up to 12 hours.
2. Abundant watering using warm water.
3. Protection against sudden temperature changes. Containers with crops should be placed away from window frames and heating appliances.

Transplanting

The period from sowing seeds to planting in open ground or a greenhouse is 65-70 days. By this time, eggplant seedlings of the King of the Market F1 variety have 5-6 true leaves. Planting should be done in the evening, this will help the seedlings quickly adapt to new places.

The main stages of planting seedlings include:

1. Hardening of seedlings 7 days before planting.
2. Moistening, loosening and fertilizing selected areas.
3. Water the seedlings so that they do not lack moisture during transplantation.
4. Forming holes while maintaining a distance between them of at least 70 cm.
5. Planting seedlings, deepening their root system by 6-7 cm, and leaving the cotyledon leaves above the surface of the ground. The distance between planting units should be 50 cm. It is important that the plants are not located next to each other. This can negatively affect the formation of bushes and yield.

Important! Immediately after planting, you need to protect the seedlings from direct sunlight.

Diseases and pests

The eggplant variety Market King F1 demonstrates excellent resistance to diseases inherent in the crop, but this phenomenon does not eliminate the risk of infection.

Common diseases that threaten eggplants:

1. Blackleg. This problem can be diagnosed by darkening and destruction of the root collar. Rot affects the roots and leads to the death of the crop. Diseased specimens should be immediately removed from the garden bed, the soil should be dried, loosened and sprinkled with wood ash on top.
2. Late blight. One of the dangerous fungal diseases of crops. It is signaled by growing dark brown spots on the lower leaves. The disease affects the fruits and inflorescences of eggplant. Treatment involves the use of copper-containing drugs.

The Colorado potato beetle, aphids, and naked slug are considered dangerous pests. Such parasites should be combated by treating the bushes with chemicals.

To prevent diseases and attacks of pests that lie in wait for the crop at different stages of development, you should act proactively, adhering to certain rules:

• at the stage of growing seedlings, use only soil well fertilized with nutrients;
• carry out fertilizing to help the crop cope with the stresses that occur when crop cultivation technology is disrupted;
• When plants are infected, urgently carry out all operations to eliminate it.

If these rules are followed, nothing will threaten the fruits, and a high-quality harvest is guaranteed.

Collection and storage

Among the variety of eggplant varieties, the Market King F1 hybrid deserves special attention due to its positive characteristics. Healthy vegetables grown in your garden will be a delicious ingredient for many nutritious dishes.

Planting and cultivating seedlings

Seedlings are planted in open ground or a greenhouse no earlier than mid-May. Plants have a well-developed, but fragile root system. The bushes are not picked; they are immediately transplanted to a new place along with a lump of earth.

Reference! The seedlings are planted in a square-nest pattern at a distance of at least 50 cm from each other. Frequent planting may reduce yield.

Fertilizers

After planting the plants in a new place, they are fertilized three times during the entire life cycle: 7 days after transplantation, during flowering and during the process of fruit ripening.

For feeding, you can use chemical solutions containing iron, nitrogen, potassium, manganese, phosphorus or organic matter - usually cow manure is used.

Watering

Eggplants are regularly watered with warm water without chlorine and other harmful impurities. The frequency depends on the weather. Plants that lack moisture drop their leaves, lose ovaries and flowers, and the fruits turn yellow. There is a need to maintain a balance here. A lack of moisture leads to the formation of dense areas inside the fruit, an excess of it leads to rotting of the stem and eggplants.

Attention! The soil under the plants is mulched using cut grass or hay.

EGGPLANT!! SUBTLES OF CARE IN THE SECOND HALF OF SUMMER!

Diseases and pests

The hybrid King of the Market is resistant to most diseases, but in open ground without proper care, the crop is often attacked by aphids, slugs and Colorado potato beetles. To avoid this, copper sulfate is added to the base of the roots when planting. Flowering eggplants are sprayed with a remedy for the Colorado potato beetle.

Greenhouse conditions

In greenhouses, the hybrid may suffer from black leg, late blight, mosaic, and black rot. Plants affected by rot die fairly quickly if appropriate measures are not taken.

Blackleg or late blight causes the fruit to dry out. They become covered with yellow spots and begin to rot. From mosaic and aphids, the leaves of the hybrid curl up and the plant withers.

You can get a high yield and protect plants from pests if you follow a number of rules:

• sort the seeds before planting;
• monitor the microclimate in the greenhouse;
• inspect eggplants for diseases and pests;
• Water regularly and avoid overwatering.

Advantages and disadvantages

The hybrid King of the Market is rightfully in high demand among summer residents.

The benefits of culture are obvious:

• high productivity;
• pleasant taste without bitterness;
• simple growing conditions;
• standard care;
• resistance to pests, infectious and fungal diseases;
• long-term storage of crops;
• universal use: canning and culinary processing.

Disadvantages include curvature of the fruit, but this rarely occurs.

Specifications

A description of any variety is contained on the seed package, which the summer resident purchases in winter. Since eggplant ripens for quite a long time, sometimes this period reaches four months or more, it is too late to pick up seeds in March. At this time, they are planted in the ground and wait for germination. However, we will talk about growing this hybrid a little later. Let's start with a description of the King of the Market eggplant variety.

We have collected all the information in a table, according to which it will be easy for any gardener to familiarize themselves with the technical characteristics of the presented hybrid.

Description of eggplant fruit

Long (22 centimeters), elongated cylindrical shape and small diameter (about 6 centimeters); dark purple color, thin skin

Excellent, white dense pulp without bitterness

100-110 days until technical ripeness, early ripening

Excellent, fruits are leveled, long shelf life

The “King of the Market” hybrid has a number of characteristics according to which summer residents and individual entrepreneurs who own greenhouses prefer this particular eggplant:

• stable rich harvest;
• standard growing conditions;
• unpretentiousness;
• excellent taste of fruits;
• possibility of long-term storage of crops.

Let's talk about growing this hybrid.

Reviews

There are a lot of reviews about the hybrid, most of them are positive. The crop is valued for its fertility, durability and original taste for eggplants.

Marina, Orel: “ I planted the King of the Market eggplant as an experiment. Our summer was hot, we had to water the plants every other day. I collected 12 kg from 3 beds! Children previously did not eat eggplants at all because of the bitterness, but these gobble them up with great appetite.”

Semyon, Tambov: “I am an agronomist by profession, I have my own farm. I am well versed in eggplants and can confidently say that the King of the Market fully lives up to its name. Ripens early, the fruits are of good quality and juicy. Last summer, other eggplant varieties were killed by aphids, but this one survived. It ripens even earlier than zucchini and bears fruit until the end of August. The main thing is an optimal microclimate. During the day it should be +20-25 °C, at night no higher than +15 °C.”

Elena, Novoaleksandrovsk: “ I don’t like eggplants, I grow them only because of my husband. Previously I used seeds from the last sowing. The harvest was not particularly pleasing; it was often attacked by spider mites. Last year I bought the King of the Market hybrid. The eggplants did not get sick and grew quickly. Then I thought about where to put so much harvest!”

Application

Eggplants of this variety can be used to prepare many dishes. It is best to bake the fruits, since it is with this cooking method that they retain all their beneficial qualities. This vegetable makes excellent preparations for the winter. Delicious caviar is prepared from eggplants, canned as a whole, etc. It is better not to prepare raw salads from overripe eggplants. But they are suitable for preservation.

Watch the video! Eggplant King of the market (in the review from the 4th minute)