Eggplant variety "Clorinda": characteristics and cultivation

Eggplant Clorinda F1 is a mid-early Dutch hybrid with consistently high yields and large fruits of a classic dark purple color. Let's find out what is remarkable about this hybrid variety and what are the features of its agricultural technology.

Eggplant Clorinda tolerates adverse weather conditions

Eggplant Clorinda has a small number of seeds

Eggplant Clorinda

Description of culture

Clorinda F1 is an early-ripening universal hybrid obtained by Dutch breeders. It grows equally successfully both under shelters and in open ground.

The Dutch hybrid "Clorinda" is included in the State Register and is suitable for cultivation in all regions of Russia.

Short description:

• Bush. Semi-spreading, erect, reaches a height of 70-80 cm. Under the film it grows up to 90 cm. The stems are purple, pubescent, with short internodes. The leaves are medium sized, with serrated edges.
• Fruit. Shape: oval or oval-pear-shaped. The color is dark purple, the skin is glossy. The length of the fruit is 12-20 cm. The pulp is white, dense, and practically does not contain seeds.

Main characteristics of the hybrid "Clorinda":

Popular varieties

Among Russian gardeners, the following varieties of eggplant are in particular demand:

1. Purple miracle. Its vegetables are shaped like a cylinder. The weight of one vegetable is 135 g.
2. Vicar. It has short pear-shaped fruits, each weighs 300 g. The pulp is white, tender and tasty.
3. Black Beauty. The fruits are black-violet in color, with a glossy surface. Their shape is slightly curved. The harvested crop can be used for long-term storage.
4. Fat gentleman. Its fruits are round and fleshy. The pulp is snow-white, tender and incredibly tasty.
5. Black Moon. This variety has spherical, tuberous fruits. The pulp is tender and mild in taste.

Black Moon

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The numerous advantages of the Clorinda variety allow gardeners to turn a blind eye to some of its shortcomings.

Pros:

• able to grow in temperate climates;
• withstands adverse weather conditions;
• delicious fruits;
• high and stable yields;
• there are few seeds in the pulp;
• can grow in open ground, in greenhouses and greenhouses;
• high immunity, especially resistant to viral diseases;
• long fruiting;
• bushes require almost no shaping.

Minuses:

• seeds are expensive;
• It is impossible to collect seeds yourself, since hybrids do not pass on their varietal properties to subsequent generations.

Diseases and pests

According to the description, the Clorinda variety has high immunity to both viral and bacterial diseases. If not properly cared for, fungal damage occurs, which occurs when the soil is excessively waterlogged.

To prevent occurrence, disinfect seeds before planting. If lesions were found on adult specimens, treat the bushes with Zircon or Fitosporin.

In rare cases, aphids, spider mites, and slugs appear on plants. To combat such pests, treat with Karbofos or Keltan. Tobacco dust and wood ash are effective folk remedies. They are sprayed on bushes to repel pests.

Growing Clorinda seedlings

Eggplant "Clorinda" is recommended to be grown by seedlings. Sowing seeds in the ground is possible only in the south of Russia, since tender seedlings do not tolerate sudden temperature changes and cold snaps.

Optimal timing

Seedlings are usually grown at home. The sowing time is determined by counting two months from the expected transplant date. Eggplant seedlings grow in 60-75 days, and if the weather does not allow planting them on time, there will be another half month left.

Eggplant seeds are sown for seedlings from late February to mid-March.

Soil selection and preparation

Soil for planting is purchased at an agricultural store. This substrate has a balanced composition and contains all the nutrients necessary for growth. Seedlings planted in a purchased substrate do not need additional feeding - they have enough nutrition until planting.

If it is not possible to purchase a substrate, prepare a soil mixture by mixing:

• peat – 6 parts;
• sand – 1/2 part;
• compost – 2 parts;
• turf – 1 part.

The soil for seedlings can be prepared in advance - in the fall. Store it at temperatures below 0 °C.

Freshly prepared soil mixture must be disinfected by calcination before planting. It is placed in the oven - spread in a layer of 5 cm, and the temperature is turned on +70...+90 °C, no more.

After calcination, the soil is completely disinfected, but needs to be restored - it is allowed to rest for 2-3 weeks before sowing the seeds.

Seed preparation

Eggplant seeds are sold ready for sowing - they have already been processed and disinfected. If there is no processing mark on the package, you will have to do it yourself.

Preparing seeds for sowing:

1. Disinfection. Immerse the seeds in a 1% solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes.
2. Stratification. Place the disinfected seeds in hot water (+50 °C) for 30 minutes.
3. Stimulation. Immediately before planting, soak the seeds in a growth stimulator, for example, Epin. As a stimulant, many gardeners use aloe juice or 3% hydrogen peroxide heated to +40 °C. The seeds are soaked in aloe for a day, in peroxide for 10 minutes.

Sowing seeds

Seeds are sown in containers that are disinfected and filled with soil. For planting, it is most convenient to use cassettes or individual glasses, as they avoid the picking stage.

A less desirable option is sowing in containers. The seeds are sown densely, and when two cotyledon leaves appear, they are planted in larger containers.

Sowing seeds in individual containers:

• Moisten the glasses filled with soil.
• Plant 1-2 seeds in each glass. Place the seeds in the center of the glass and deepen them 1 cm.
• Sprinkle the seeds with soil and cover the crops with transparent material to create a favorable microclimate for them.
• Place the crops in a warm place. The optimal temperature is from +25 to +28 °C.
• Ventilate the crops daily to remove condensation that accumulates on the film or glass. Water the soil as it dries - it is strictly forbidden to over-water it.
• Shoots will appear in 10-15 days from the crop field. When this happens, remove the film or glass cover and move the seedlings to the brightest place.

According to reviews, “Clorinda” has 100% germination rate, so it is more rational to plant only one seed, since the second sprout will still have to be pinched.

Seedling care

To grow strong, healthy and viable seedlings, you must not only take care of them - water and feed them, but also create favorable growing conditions - temperature, light, etc.

Features of caring for Clorinda seedlings:

1. Temperature. Within 2-3 days after the first shoots appear, the daytime temperature is reduced to +16 to +18 °C. Then it is raised again to +24...+25 °C. The night temperature is maintained at +14…+15 °C. Seedlings should receive an influx of fresh air, but drafts are not allowed.
2. Lighting. The optimal length of daylight for "Clorinda" is the same as for all eggplants - 12-14 hours.
   If necessary, seedlings are illuminated using phytolamps or fluorescent lamps. They are turned on in the mornings and evenings. If the weather is cloudy, then the lamps are turned on during the day. The distance from the lamps to the seedlings is 30-50 cm. The duration of illumination should not be more than 14 hours, otherwise the plants will begin to grow green mass and will not produce ovaries.
3. Watering. Water the seedlings moderately, and only at the root. Sprinkling is not acceptable for eggplants. When watering the seedlings, maintain a moisture balance, avoiding drying out or waterlogging.
4. Picking. Seedlings sown in containers in rows need picking. It is transplanted when the seedlings form 1-2 true leaves. Seedlings are planted into individual containers. Before picking, moisten the soil so that the seedlings are easier to remove from the soil.
5. Feeding. The seedlings are fed for the first time 2 weeks after emergence. If the seedlings are picked, then fertilizing is carried out 2 weeks after the picking. How to feed seedlings:
   First feeding. You can feed with potassium nitrate (30 g per 10 liters of water) or Kemira-Lux (20-30 g per 10 liters of water). Another option is to dilute ammonium nitrate (5 g), superphosphate (15 g), and potassium sulfate (10 g) in a bucket of water.
6. Second feeding. You can feed it with organic matter. It is applied 10 days after the first feeding. You can prepare a solution of chicken manure. To do this, mix the infusion of litter with water in a ratio of 1:15.
7. Third feeding. A week before planting seedlings, they are fertilized with superphosphate and potassium salt. 70 g and 30 g are dissolved in 10 liters of water.
8. Hardening. 10-14 days before transplanting into open ground, seedlings begin to be gradually hardened by taking them outside for a short time. Gradually, the time of “walks” is increased, bringing their duration to several hours. Thanks to hardening, seedlings get used not only to temperature changes, but also to direct sunlight.

Description of the series of Prince eggplant varieties

From the descriptions and photos of the Prince eggplant varieties, it is clear that in appearance they bear little resemblance. The fruits differ in shape and color, ripening time and their taste characteristics vary. Among the general characteristics it is worth noting: high yield, large-fruited, unpretentious care, the ability to grow throughout Russia, both in open ground in the southern and central regions, and in greenhouses or under film covers in regions with a more severe climate.

Attention!

All varieties described are characterized by a high level of cold resistance. They do not respond to prolonged cold spells by slowing development, dropping flower stalks, or forming barren flowers.

However, they are not frost-resistant. During recurrent frosts, plants grown in open ground need additional shelter.

The drought resistance of all Prince eggplants, the characteristics and descriptions of the varieties of which are given in the article, is average. However, this is a feature of all large-fruited species of this vegetable crop. At the same time, waterlogging can cause diseases such as black leg and gray rot.

Prince eggplant variety

In the photo, Prince eggplants are a compact, densely leafy plant. It rarely reaches a height of more than 70 cm. The stems are powerful, dark green, and acquire purple hues as they grow. The leaves are large, with short stalks. The shape of the leaf plates is oval. They are distinguished by their rich green color and light edge.

The fruits are large, beautiful pear-shaped. They reach a length of 18-20 cm, with a cross-sectional diameter at the widest point of 8-10 cm. The average weight of the Prince eggplant is about 200-230 grams. The skin is smooth, dark blue, almost black in color with a beautiful glossy sheen.

The pulp is light green in color, with a small number of seeds. Very dense and elastic. The taste of this variety is classic, as is its appearance. It is a combination of pungency and slight bitterness.

Eggplant Northern Prince

A young, original variety that receives excellent reviews for its cold resistance. Many vegetable growers consider it ideal for growing in the conditions of Siberia, the Urals and the northwestern regions due to the early onset of fruiting. Eggplants have time to fully ripen in the short summer.

Eggplant Northern Prince forms medium spreading bushes. Thanks to the powerful stems of light green color, plants 50-60 cm high do not need supports or tying. The leaf blades are medium in size, obovate in shape and green in color, appearing grayish due to pubescence.

The fruits have an unusual shape. They are cylindrical, elongated, with a noticeable difference in diameter at the stalk and in the middle part, with a spout. Eggplants are somewhat curved. Their length is 25-30 cm, cut diameter is from 5 to 7 cm. The weight of one eggplant reaches 250-300 grams. The skin color ranges from light purple to bright purple. As it ripens, it darkens a little and acquires a slight gloss.

The flesh of the Northern Prince eggplant is dense and has a pleasant creamy color. Few seeds are produced. The taste of the fruit is bright, with a slight pungency, but without bitterness.

Eggplant variety Eastern Prince

A tall variety of eggplant, reaching a height of 1.5 m. At the same time, the formation of shoots is average, the bushes are not large in volume. This is also evidenced by the fact that they can be planted 50-60 cm apart. The stems and shoots are powerful, but during the period of active fruiting they need support.

Eastern Prince eggplant is a variety with a fruit color unusual for this crop. Eggplants are uniform in size, regular cylindrical in shape, with mild ribbing. The length of the fruit is 25-27 cm, weight is about 250 grams. The color of the delicate skin is bright yellow, without gloss.

According to gardeners, the Eastern Prince eggplant has an excellent delicate taste, without any signs of bitterness. Its flesh is greenish in color, dense, and the number of seeds is small.

Eggplant variety Prince Fairytale

And another Prince, this time the Fairytale One. Plants of this variety are low-growing, compact, with small oval-shaped leaves and bright green color. Produces a large number of fruits elongated to 25-28 cm. Their weight is in the range of 210-250 grams. Eggplants of the Prince Fairytale variety, according to reviews and photos, have a cylindrical shape and are slightly curved in the middle part. Their color is dark purple with a noble glossy sheen.

The variety is praised for its snow-white dense pulp, almost complete absence of seeds and original taste with a medium degree of pungency.

Growing in open ground

Eggplants are planted in open sunny areas with well-drained fertile soils. Recommended acidity – slightly acidic soil (pH from 6.3 to 6.8).

Areas where nightshade crops were previously grown - potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, eggplants - are not suitable for planting.

Transplanting seedlings to a permanent place

Seedlings with 8-10 leaves are planted in the ground in mid-May, in previously prepared soil. In the fall, manure or humus is added to it and dug up.

Before planting, the soil is prepared by adding organic fertilizers. Rotted manure is added - 0.5 kg per 1 sq. m. m, or store-bought complex fertilizers with a ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium of 1:2:1.

The procedure for planting seedlings in the ground:

• Prepare holes 20-25 cm deep. The roots of the seedlings along with a lump of earth should comfortably fit in them. The intervals between neighboring plants are 30 cm, between rows - 40-50 cm.
• Water the holes with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Pour 500 ml of solution into each hole.
• Carefully remove the seedlings from the glasses. To make seedlings easier to remove, water them 2 hours before transplanting with warm, settled water.
• Place the seedling in the hole and gently cover the roots with soil. Gently compact the soil with your fingers and water the plantings.
• Mulch the plantings with dry soil or humus - it will retain moisture in the substrate, which will reduce the frequency and rate of watering.

Watering

Eggplants are watered early in the morning with warm, settled water. The optimal water temperature is +24…+25 °C. Watering eggplants is carried out as the soil dries out - about once a week. The frequency of watering is increased during dry periods and during fruit filling.

After the water is absorbed, the soil is loosened - under the bushes and between the rows, trying not to damage the plant roots located close to the surface. It is recommended to hill up eggplant bushes.

Top dressing

Fertilizers are applied 4-5 times during the season. It is recommended to fertilize every two to three weeks.

Feeding order:

• Fertilizers are applied for the first time after rooting of seedlings. You can add a complex drug.
• Every two weeks, the plantings are watered with fermented herbal infusion. When the fruits ripen, complex fertilizer is added to this feeding.

Feeding options:

1. dilute 1 liter of slurry in 15 liters of water;
2. mix potassium sulfide (5 g), urea (10 g), superphosphate (10 g), wood ash (250 g) and dissolve them in 10 liters of water;
3. prepare a 3% boric acid solution for foliar feeding during flowering;
4. dissolve 20 g of ammophoska in 10 liters of water.

Formation of bushes

Shaping in the form of pruning and pinching is perceived by the bushes as stress, so its implementation is not necessary. The procedure is carried out to obtain a compact bush.

Formation rules:

• the procedure begins when the height of the bush reaches 25 cm;
• 4-5 strong side shoots are left, all others are cut off with pruning shears;
• stepsons are removed in a timely manner;
• regularly pick off yellowed leaves, as well as underdeveloped and damaged fruits;
• It is recommended to tie the “Clorinda” bushes to trellises or other supports.

Diseases and pests

Possessing immunity to tobacco mosaic, the variety can be affected by various fungal and bacterial infections:

• blackleg;
• various rots;
• Colorado beetle;
• whitefly;
• cruciferous flea beetle;
• spider mite

Fighting methods:

• Insecticides are used against insects - “Fitoferm”, “Aktaru”, etc.
• Disinfection of seeds before planting.
• When signs of disease appear, plants are sprayed with Zircon, Trichodermin or Fitosporin.
• To prevent diseases, sprinkle the soil with bleach or wood ash.
• Spraying dry kaolin clay helps prevent cruciferous flea beetles.

Collection, storage and use of fruits

Eggplant harvesting begins approximately 90 days after sowing, when the fruits reach technical ripeness. It is judged by color - the fruits should turn dark purple, and by size - the length of the eggplant should reach 12-20 cm.

Rules for harvesting and storing crops:

• The fruits are cut with pruning shears.
• The fruits should not be allowed to overripe - they become bitter.
• Picked fruits can be stored in the basement or in the refrigerator, wrapped in paper or film. The fruits are stored for 2-4 weeks.

Landing

The hybrid eggplant Clorinda F1 is cultivated through seedlings. For disinfection, the seeds are kept in 1% potassium permanganate for 30 minutes. To stimulate germination, seed processing is carried out in Kornevin, Agata.

The planting period begins in the 2nd half of February. Planting seedlings in a stationary place is carried out when the soil warms up to 14–16 degrees.

Seeds are sown at a distance of 3–5 cm, they are buried 1.5–1.9 cm. The ground is first disinfected and watered with settled water.

Measures for caring for seedling bushes:

• irrigation with warm water (22–25 degrees);
• lighting with phytolamp;
• picking in the phase of 2 leaves;
• watering with a nutrient solution (Fertika, Kemira-lux).

Before planting in a permanent place, seedlings should be hardened off. Containers are placed on windows, balconies, terraces, where it is possible to lower the temperature to 15–16 degrees. The time spent in cool conditions is extended gradually, from 30–40 minutes to 8–10 hours.

Features of cultivation and possible difficulties

If you do not know the intricacies of growing “Clorinda”, or violate the agricultural practices of the variety, troubles will inevitably appear in the form of diseases or reduced yields.

What you should pay attention to:

• The variety grows well in any soil - open and closed; it can be planted in a greenhouse 2-3 weeks earlier. In a greenhouse, you can do without growing seedlings by sowing seeds directly into the beds.
• When growing Clorinda, it is important to prevent excessive soil moisture, and when growing under cover, it is necessary to control the moisture content not only in the soil, but also in the air. With excessive moisture, the variety is prone to fungal infection.
• The variety needs regular feeding. With a lack of nutrition, the fruits become smaller and the number of ovaries is reduced. It is necessary to feed the plant at least 5 times after planting in the ground.

The gardener will tell you about his experience of growing Clorinda in the following video:

Harvesting and storage

With proper planting and regular care, you can try homemade eggplants from mid-summer, even in central Russia. Ripe fruits are cut from the bushes with a knife or pruning shears, while the stalk remains on the fruit, only the shoot is cut off.

The fruits are harvested at least once every 2-3 days; you cannot leave an already ripe harvest on the branches - it will become overripe, and the eggplants themselves will lose their elasticity and begin to wrinkle.

Vegetables are stored in the refrigerator on a separate shelf from other products or in the cellar. Suitable for harvesting a closet, basement, or any dark and cool place in the house. Eggplants can last from 4 to 8 weeks.

Reviews from gardeners

★★★★★
Konstantin, 56 years old, amateur gardener, Pskov region. It’s not easy to grow eggplants here – the weather is not favorable.
But the Clorinda variety grows well. I planted it under film, on average the fruits grew 500 g. The taste is excellent, the fruits store well for a month. ★★★★★
Olga, 49 years old, housewife, Bryansk region. Our eggplants grow well even without film.
I plant them at the dacha at the end of May, mostly early varieties. Clorinda F1 manages to ripen even in cool summers, and its fruits taste excellent. Hide

Add your review

Eggplant Clorinda F1, having a short growing season, manages to ripen not only in the south, but also in regions with short and cool summers. The hybrid is quite demanding, it needs regular watering and fertilizing, but it can withstand weather troubles and please gardeners with stable harvests.

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Reviews of eggplant Clorinda F1

Gardeners like the Clorinda F1 hybrid for its high yield and taste, although with annual cultivation sooner or later they have to face certain problems.

• Alexander Vorontsov : “Clorinda F1 is an excellent eggplant variety. They grow quickly and the yield is high. But there are a lot of them on my site and, unfortunately, the bushes are often affected by it. I usually fight with folk remedies, since by the time it appears there are already small fruits. But, in general, there are no complaints."
• Stas Lobachev : “It’s a good hybrid, I’ve been growing it for 2 years now. There is no shortage of harvest. The bushes are powerful, large, you have to provide support for them in advance, otherwise they fall. In the first year when I grew it, 2 bushes even broke under a strong wind, now I plant only near a natural fence, and be sure to tie each bush, when it grows up, to a peg in several places. It’s easier for the plants and it’s calmer for me.”
• Maria False : “The Clorinda F1 is ideal for sale. My family has been growing and selling eggplants for over 15 years. We recently tried this hybrid. Of course, you have to tinker with cultivation, but the work pays off. The eggplants are very beautiful, marketable, do not wrinkle during transportation, do not spoil, and are sold out very quickly.”