Purple miracle is a hybrid variety of eggplant that can be grown both in open areas and in protected ground. It cannot be called unpretentious, since a novice gardener may have some difficulties with agricultural technology. But all efforts will be rewarded a hundredfold with a wonderful harvest of beautiful and tasty vegetables.
The fruits of the Purple Miracle are universal, since these eggplants can be used to prepare savory snacks and caviar. Vegetables are great for canning and pickling. Eggplants of this variety are perfectly stored both fresh and frozen. By the way, after freezing the fruits do not lose their excellent taste. A lot of reviews have been written about the variety. Most of them are positive.
Description of the variety Purple Miracle
The purple miracle is distinguished primarily by its taste. The pulp of this eggplant lacks the bitterness characteristic of other types of this crop. This property does not depend on their growing conditions.
Eggplant fruits are smooth and shiny, evenly cylindrical in shape, without thorns on the cup. The peel is dark purple. Ripe eggplants retain their taste and presentation well during transportation and long-term storage. The Violet Miracle has received well-deserved recognition in cooking for its soft green, tender flesh.
It is used not only for preparing caviar, but also for home canning - during heat treatment, the eggplant pulp retains its cut shape well.
The main conditions for good growth and fruiting are sufficient light and moisture. Before fruiting, it is recommended to apply mineral fertilizers to the soil. Planting density - no more than 4-6 bushes per square meter. m. During the growth process, a compact bush is formed up to 90 cm in height with short and dense side shoots.
From the history of the origin of eggplants
The Greeks in ancient times were convinced that this vegetable could make a person crazy, and therefore called the eggplant the “rabies apple.” Because of this, the plant came to European countries much later.
Initially, eggplants were used for decorative purposes, as the fruits have different shapes, colors, and shiny
After information was received that Indians eat vegetables, they began to be celebrated in South America. The Russians adopted the experience of cultivating eggplants from the Caucasians and residents of Central Asia; this happened in the 18th century. In the southern part of the country, varieties such as Odessa Early and Bulgarian Semi-Long began to be grown.
The first subspecies was sown at the end of the second month of winter, and the second in the twentieth of February. Harvesting took place for the Odessa variety at the end of June, beginning of July. For another - in early August.
Growing eggplants in open ground
Among the factors that influence the growth of a plant and its productivity, the place where it is planted is of great importance. You need to choose a sunny and clean area. The growth of eggplants also depends on the “predecessor” plants. It’s good if greens, melons or legumes used to grow in this place. But various types of nightshade plants (tobacco, pepper, potatoes) deplete the soil, so the next planting will give good results no earlier than in two years. For the same reason, eggplants are not planted in the same place where they were grown last year.
Soil preparation
Preparation of beds for eggplants begins in the fall. Organic and mineral fertilizers are evenly distributed on the ground and dug up.
During the autumn-winter period, under the influence of precipitation, fertilizers will go to the optimal depth, so digging must be repeated in the spring. Digging up a bed for eggplants in spring is best done after all the precipitation has disappeared, when the weather has stabilized and the earth has warmed up a little.
For these plants, beds are made 60-70 cm wide, with a furrow for watering between the rows.
Preparing seedlings
They are sown in pots or special plastic containers for seedlings, where each plant has a separate compartment. Seeds for seedlings need to be checked for germination. To do this, they are filled with water for several hours. Empty seeds will remain on the surface and can be safely thrown away. Those seeds that have fallen to the bottom are laid out on damp gauze folded in several layers and put in a warm place for 5-6 days, periodically spraying them with a spray bottle.
The soil for seedlings must be heated and disinfected. To do this, you can bake it in the oven.
Sprouted eggplant seeds are sown in the ground to a depth of 2-3 cm, watered and covered with film. 3-4 seeds are planted in each compartment or cup. After germination, weak shoots are carefully pinched off. Now you can prepare a solution for feeding seedlings. A glass of black tea is poured with 3 liters of boiling water, eggshells are added and left to steep for at least 6 days.
A week later, as soon as the first shoots appear, the film must be removed and the container with seedlings placed in a well-lit place. Now you need to periodically water the sprouts with prepared fertilizer and monitor the plants. For uniform growth and development of the eggplant root system, you need to periodically turn the box with seedlings in the direction against which the sprouts stretch.
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Hardening of seedlings
Eggplants begin to harden a month before planting. To do this, the box or pots with seedlings are taken out into the open air during the warm part of the day. To protect against diseases, eggplant seedlings are treated with a weak solution of copper sulfate.
Plants are planted in prepared beds in early June. By that time, subject to proper care, strong, healthy and stable seedlings with dense stems and 10-12 leaves will have formed.
On the day of planting seedlings, in the morning you need to make holes along the edges of the beds at a distance of 40-45 cm from each other. Then fill them with water and a nutrient solution and leave until evening. The ideal time to plant is just after sunset. The box or pots with seedlings are filled with water, and the plant is carefully removed along with the lump of earth. Then they carefully place the plant in the hole, pour water, and cover it with earth on all sides, carefully compacting it. On the first day, you should not plant all the seedlings in the garden bed. You need to leave a few in stock to replace those that die during transplantation.
Eggplant seedlings have a hard time getting used to new conditions, so when the sun rises you can often see plants with drooping tops in the garden. It is possible to determine which of them have taken root in the new place and which have not, already on the second day after transplantation - the stem of the dead plant lies completely on the ground. Such sprouts must be replaced immediately.
Plant care
During the growth period, caring for eggplants comes down to simple actions - watering, fertilizing and weeding. The first time after transplanting into open ground, the plants are watered “under the root,” systematically loosening the soil around the stem. When they are sufficiently strong, water is released into furrows or ditches between the rows.
Eggplants do not tolerate weeds nearby, so weeding is required. Pulling weeds around plants further loosens the soil and saturates it with oxygen.
For additional feeding, fertilizer is poured into the furrows before each watering. This must be done before the fruits appear on the plants.
Mullein solution and “Humate” stimulate the growth of eggplants well.
Eggplant is a plant that is often attacked by pests, including white and green aphids, spider mites, and the Colorado potato beetle. It is necessary to periodically inspect the plants and spray them with a soap-tobacco solution. A description of these and other secrets of growing eggplant seedlings can be seen in this video:
Landing
For seedlings, seeds are sown 2 months before transferring to a greenhouse or 2.5 months before transplanting into open ground.
The bed is prepared in the fall. It is dug up well and organic and mineral fertilizers are added for digging. In the spring they dig again. The bed should be located in the sun. You cannot grow eggplant in areas where other nightshade crops (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers) grew in the past 3-4 seasons.
Seedlings are sown in plastic or peat pots. A nutrient substrate is prepared, to which turf soil, peat, sand, wood ash and some mineral fertilizers are added. Then they are disinfected by heating in the oven for 15 minutes at a temperature of at least 100 degrees.
The seeds do not need treatment before planting.
It is recommended to sow 3-4 seeds in each pot. After germination, the bushes are thinned out, leaving the strongest ones.
Sprout under film in a warm place. Then they remove it and keep the seedlings on the windowsill at a temperature of about 20 degrees. Daylight hours should be 12-14 hours or more.
They are transplanted to a permanent place according to a 60 by 45 cm scheme.
Description of the variety Purple Miracle
The variety does not like extreme heat. On especially hot days, the growth of fruits and bushes stops. As a result, the harvest is delayed by several weeks.
- from the moment of seedling germination to technical maturity, 95-100 days pass;
- The length of the fruit reaches 20 centimeters. Diameter – 4-6 centimeters. Maximum weight – 135 grams;
- fruits are cylindrical, dark purple in color;
- A harvest of up to 8 kilograms is harvested per square meter. In a greenhouse - up to 13 kilograms;
- suitable for preservation;
- The dense, greenish-white flesh has a pleasant taste without bitterness.
Reviews about growing the variety
Lisa Simps: “I planted the seeds in separate cups. All the seeds have sprouted. The seedlings grew so rapidly that they even had to pick off the flowers. I planted it under cover. At first the bushes were a little sick, but then they began to grow sharply. 10 bushes fed 2 families. There was enough to eat, to distribute to relatives, and to freeze for the winter. Eggplants are very tasty, there is no bitterness at all. Now we are finishing the frozen food. The taste did not deteriorate at all from such storage. I will plant this variety again and recommend it to everyone.”
Characteristics of eggplant
Purple miracle is a hardy variety that does not require special care.
- bushes are semi-standard, compact;
- suitable for open ground;
- foliage is slightly pubescent, green;
- there are no large spines on the calyx;
- Purple miracle is an early ripening variety;
- fruits have a long period of transition from technical maturity to biological maturity;
- maximum height of bushes – 90 centimeters;
- eggplants tolerate transportation well and are characterized by their ability to be stored for a long time;
- even in bad weather conditions the bush forms ovaries.
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Growing eggplants in open ground
Purple miracle is profitable to grow in open ground. The bushes easily tolerate temperature changes and produce a bountiful harvest. Even the smallest bushes produce several large fruits. To get maximum yield, follow simple recommendations.
Landing dates
The seedlings are transplanted into the ground 40-50 days after sowing the seeds. Therefore, seeds are planted in the second ten days of March.
Soil preparation
An important factor influencing the development of the bush and yield is the planting location. Choose a neat and sunny area. Also, fruit growth depends on the crops that grew in the garden last season.
It is not recommended to plant after:
It is recommended to plant after:
Soil preparation begins in the fall:
- A mixture of fertilizers is distributed in an even layer on the beds. Use mineral and organic;
- dig up.
In the spring, they dig up again and form beds. The recommended width is 70 centimeters. The row spacing is 60 centimeters.
Preparing seedlings
For seedlings, special containers are used, with a separate section for each sprout, or pots.
- The seeds are checked for germination. To do this, they are placed in water and left for three hours. Empty seeds will float on the surface. They cannot be used for sowing.
- Those that have fallen to the bottom are laid out on moistened gauze, which is rolled up in several layers. Keep warm for 6 days. Occasionally spray with a spray bottle.
Before sowing the seeds, the soil is calcined in an oven. Use special soil designed for eggplants. Sprouted seeds are placed in the soil to a depth of three centimeters. Then water generously and cover with film.
Store in a dark place. The ideal temperature is 25 degrees.
After 7 days, the first shoots will begin to appear. The film is removed and the containers are moved to the windowsill. To ensure uniform growth of seedlings and root systems, seedlings periodically turn in the direction against which the sprout is stretching.
A month before transplanting, they begin to harden the seedlings. The containers are exposed to open air for a couple of hours, gradually increasing the residence time. To protect plants during this period from diseases, the bushes are sprayed with a weak solution of copper sulfate. By the first days of June, the seedlings are fully formed and ready for transplanting.
- on the day of transplantation, in the morning, dig holes at a distance of 45 centimeters from each other;
- pour plenty of water and leave until evening. It is recommended to replant bushes after sunset;
- containers with seedlings are filled with water. Carefully move the bushes with a lump of earth into the hole;
- water and, compacting, sprinkle with dry soil.
Transplanting seedlings into the ground and further care
Planting seedlings in open areas of soil has its own characteristics. Mistakes made during transplantation and improper care of plants can leave the vegetable grower without a long-awaited harvest.
Preparation for transplantation and hardening
The area for eggplants is prepared in advance. When choosing a place in the exhaust zone, the gardener should adhere to the following recommendations as much as possible:
- avoid low-lying areas - potential places where precipitation accumulates;
- absence of drafts;
- not shaded area.
In autumn, the soil is enriched with organic fertilizers. In the spring it is dug up again and all weeds are removed.
It is recommended to harden off the seedlings before planting them in the garden. A month before the planned planting, it is taken out into the fresh air. Starting from 2 hours, the time spent by young bushes on the street is gradually increased. A few days before planting, seedlings are not brought into the room.
Transplantation into the ground
It is advisable to replant the bushes after sunset. But the holes for seedlings are prepared in the morning.
The soil is loosened well with a rake. Then dig holes at a distance of 45 cm from each other. Leave at least 60 cm between rows. The dug holes are heavily filled with water.
In the evening, containers with seedlings are also filled with water and left for a few minutes. When the substrate is well saturated with moisture, the bushes are carefully removed along with the earth ball.
Please note! When replanting, it is very important not to damage the root system of young plants. Therefore, without shaking the bushes, they are sent into the holes along with the old soil. The ground around the plants is lightly trampled and sprinkled with a small layer of dry soil.
Watering
Eggplants are watered frequently, but with a moderate amount of water. Purple Miracle tolerates drought better than waterlogging, so it is not recommended to over-water the bushes.
Usually watering is done every 2-3 days. If the weather is very hot, the bushes are watered daily. Water is poured only at the root. Moisture on the leaves of the plant has a detrimental effect.
Water for irrigation should not contain salts or chlorine. Even rainwater is left to settle for at least a day. The optimal temperature of irrigation water is from 20 to 28⁰.
Watering is done early in the morning or after sunset. Watering plants in full sun is not recommended due to strong evaporation.
Feeding
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- 2 weeks after planting, mineral fertilizers are introduced to the plants.
- 3 weeks after the first feeding with a mixture of organic minerals.
- At the beginning of the fruiting period, a combination of organic and mineral substances.
For the first feeding, 40 g of superphosphate, 20 g of potassium salt and 30 g of ammonium nitrate are dissolved in 1 bucket of water. To prepare the mixture for the second feeding, take 30 g of urea, 80 g of superphosphate and 40 g of potassium salt per 10 liters of water. For the third feeding, use 70 g of urea, 20 g of potassium chloride and 70 g of superphosphate, diluted in 1 bucket of water. After each application of fertilizers, the soil around the plants is moistened with water.
Wood ash has a beneficial effect on eggplants. The beds are sprinkled with it a week after each feeding.
Pest and disease control
The variety is resistant to spider mites. But you have to save the plant yourself from the Colorado potato beetle and aphids.
Colorado potato beetles pose a serious danger to blue beetles. With a massive infection, they are able to eat all the leaves on the bush in just a day.
Aphids eat leaves less quickly, but are also capable of causing significant damage to a plant infected by it.
Before the fruiting period begins, chemicals called insecticides can be used against pests. The use of such a product on bushes with fruits may pose a threat to the health of the person who will eat these vegetables. Therefore, if the plants are infected during fruiting, the pests are collected by hand and destroyed.
The hybrid is resistant to Verticillium wilt. Cases of plant disease with other diseases common to eggplants occur solely through the fault of the vegetable grower.
How to care for the “Purple Miracle”
During the entire growth period, you will have to regularly perform simple actions:
Watering and weeding
Eggplants need moist soil. For irrigation use settled water. After transplanting, the bushes are watered at the root. After the liquid is absorbed, the soil around the plant is loosened. When the plants take root, water is released into the furrows. Watering is carried out in the evening hours, after sunset.
Eggplants cannot grow normally when adjacent to weeds, so you will need to constantly weed the beds.
The bushes are fed for the first time two weeks after transplantation. To do this, mix:
- 10 liters of water;
- 40 grams of superphosphate;
- 20 grams of potassium salt;
- 30 grams of ammonium nitrate.
Chicken manure diluted in 10 liters of water with 200 grams of ash is also used for feeding.
After three weeks, a second feeding is carried out. Fertilize with a solution:
- 10 liters of water;
- 40 grams of potassium salt;
- 80 grams of superphosphate;
- 30 grams of urea.
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The third feeding is carried out at the beginning of fruiting with the prepared solution:
- 20 grams of potassium chloride;
- 70 grams of urea;
- 10 liters of water;
- 70 grams of superphosphate.
To avoid burning the bush, after fertilizing the soil is spilled with clean water.
A week after fertilizing, you can additionally fertilize the soil with wood ash. She:
- helps contain the spread of rot;
- thanks to the potassium it contains, it improves the taste of fruits;
- helps protect bushes from slugs and slugs;
- alkalizes the soil.
Sprinkle the beds with ash after watering.
Bush formation
To enhance the branching of the tops of the bushes, pinch out the grown stems at a height of 30 centimeters. To prevent the formation of small fruits, constantly pay attention to the correct formation of plantings.
Each bush should have:
During the entire period of bush growth, yellowed foliage is removed.
If you follow all the recommendations, the Purple Miracle will give a bountiful harvest of strong, tasty fruits.
Protection from diseases and pests
Bushes are often attacked by:
- white and green aphids;
- Colorado beetle.
The bushes are regularly inspected. If insects are found, treat them with a tobacco-soap solution. The procedure is carried out in the evening. Drops of water under the influence of the sun leave burns on the leaves, which often leads to the death of the bushes.
Colorado beetles pose a great danger to bushes, as they can completely eat all the leaves within a day.
Before the first ovaries appear, insects can be controlled using chemicals. The beetles are then collected by hand. A fine net stretched around the bushes helps prevent insect attacks. A sufficient height is a meter. The beetles will not be able to climb higher.
The plant is resistant to:
- spider mite attacks;
- verticillium wilt.
Collection and storage
The variety has a long fruiting period. The harvest is harvested before the first frost, around October. Twice a week, bushes are inspected for the presence of fruits that have reached technical maturity. For long-term storage, the fruits are cut off along with the stalk. Mature specimens are placed in a dry room with a temperature of 4-6 degrees. After two weeks, the fruits are sorted, leaving only strong, undamaged specimens. Wipe with a dry cloth. Wrap in thick paper and store for up to three months.
