The best varieties of eggplant for the Moscow region in greenhouses and open ground with photos

Eggplant has many fans. This vegetable, rich in potassium and other microelements, is very good for health, it strengthens blood vessels, removes excess fluid from the body, and destroys cholesterol. Any owner wants to see eggplants not only on the shelves of shops and markets, but also in their own garden plot.

The difficulty lies in the heat-loving nature of the vegetable; it is generally accepted that eggplants can only be grown in the south.

Modern varieties and hybrids are so adapted to external influences that they tolerate any temperature conditions well. The climate of the Moscow region is more northern; constant frosts begin here in October and end only in May. Not every crop will withstand such conditions, but there are eggplant varieties that are specially adapted for growth in short and cool summers.

Eggplants for the Moscow region, what are the features and requirements for characteristics

Plants are demanding of heat and light, so planting in the Moscow region at first glance seems impossible. Breeders have bred species that can bear fruit under conditions of temporary temperature drops and short, short warm periods of summer.

The most important condition for successful cultivation of a crop is the use of seedling planting method. Direct sowing into the ground is not practical. To correctly select the varietal assortment, you should consider only varieties that ripen early; mid-ripening varieties are at most suitable. In open ground, the later ones do not have time to ripen and will be destroyed by the first autumn frosts.

Eggplants for open ground

When selecting species for planting in unprotected beds, you should consider some signs:

The selected type must be immune to temperature changes.
The plant should set fruit regardless of accompanying factors, prolonged rains or lack of sun.
Select low-growing species; they are easier to cover in case of cold weather.
Choose among varieties with short daylight hours.

It is better to grow the crop in seedlings, as the growing season is greatly reduced and the crop ripens much earlier.

Agate F1

The plant requires regular watering and fertilizing. Afraid of frost.

Description:

low bushes;
ready for use on the 110th day;
harvest volume 6.5-6.9 kg per 1 m2;
The hue of the eggplant skin is deep purple;
cylinder shape;
vegetable weight 250 g;
the flesh inside is white;
does not taste bitter;
are used for immediate use, without any procedures.

This variety of eggplant is difficult to grow and requires attention and careful care.

Albatross

When growing Albatross eggplants, there will be no problems with TMV and VOM diseases. The variety is not susceptible to their pathogens. But it requires close attention when carrying out preventive treatments against other diseases. The use of chemicals is advisable only before flowering; then it is recommended to use traditional methods of control.

Description:

low bushes grow up to 70 cm;
ready for use on the 120th day;
harvest volume 9 kg per 1 m2;
The hue of eggplant skin is deep purple;
pear-shaped;
vegetable weight 350 g;
the flesh inside is greenish;
They don't taste bitter.

Timely implementation of the necessary work to care for a growing plant will give a stable, declared harvest. The seeds of the variety are collected independently, since Albatross is not a hybrid.

Robin Hood

A good variety for training beginners; it does not require special care. The harvest is stable and not capricious. Early ripening allows harvesting from mid-July.

Characteristics:

grows up to 55-60 cm;
ready for use on the 90th day;
harvest volume 5.5-6 kg per 1 m2;
the shade of eggplant skin is lilac;
barrel shape;
vegetable weight 300 g, length 20 cm, diameter 8 cm;
the flesh inside is white;
They don't taste bitter.

Used for any method of preparing cold appetizers, main courses and winter preparations. In addition, it is valued by summer residents for its high resistance to diseases.

Giselle F1

A hybrid adapted to the unstable climate conditions of the Moscow region. Features and positive properties include the ability of plants to tolerate heat and drought.

Characteristics:

grows up to 1.25 m;
ready for use on the 115th day;
harvest volume 9 kg per 1 m2;
The shade of eggplant skin is dark purple;
cylinder shape;
vegetable weight 400 g, length 30 cm, diameter 7 cm;
the flesh inside is white;
They don't taste bitter.

Self-collected planting material does not retain the parental genes. Cut vegetables are stored for 45 days without damage or loss of presentable appearance. The taste doesn't change either.

Mirval F1

Plants of this hybrid have high field health. Excellent taste makes eggplant a favorite for many summer residents.

Description:

grows up to 1 m;
ready for use on the 55th day after the plants start growing in the beds;
harvest volume 5-6 kg per 1 m2;
The shade of eggplant skin is almost black;
elongated shape;
vegetable weight 400 g, length 22 cm, diameter 10 cm;
the pulp inside is light;
They don't taste bitter.

The setting is stable, the collected fruits tolerate transportation well and retain their commercial characteristics for a long time.

King of the North

The species is adapted for distribution in areas where farming is quite risky. Adapted to difficult weather conditions. It is not afraid of frost, but cannot tolerate heat.

Description

grows up to 60-65 cm;
ready for use on the 120th day;
harvest volume 15 kg per 1 m2;
the hue of eggplant skin is purple;
cylinder shape;
vegetable weight 300 g, length 40 cm, diameter 10 cm;
the flesh inside is white;
They don't taste bitter.

There are no thorns at all. This makes harvesting vegetables easier. Planting only by seedlings, it is recommended to mulch the soil. Too long fruits begin to rot after contact with the ground.

Snow

White-fruited eggplant, characterized by excellent productivity. Immune to TMV, a common crop disease.

Characteristic:

grows up to 90 cm;
ready for use on the 105th day;
harvest volume 8 kg per 1 m2;
the shade of eggplant skin is white;
oblong shape;
vegetable weight 350 g, length 20 cm, diameter 6 cm;
the pulp inside is light;
They don't taste bitter.

Unusual in appearance, the fruits will decorate any dish. And being picky in care will allow you to get healthy and tasty vegetables without much effort.

Taste of mushrooms

Breeders never tire of surprising sophisticated gourmets. They create new varieties that amaze the imagination. Type The taste of mushrooms is special because its pulp is similar in taste to mushrooms.

Description:

grows up to 80 cm;
ready for use on the 105th day;
harvest volume 6.5 kg per 1 m2;
the shade of eggplant skin is white;
drop shape;
vegetable weight 200 g, length 10-15 cm, diameter 4-6 cm;
the pulp inside is light;
They don't taste bitter.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Question No. 1. Do seedlings need to be protected from temperature changes?

Eggplant seedlings do not tolerate cold weather well, so at first, until the crop gains strength, the crops are covered with mulch film. The culture is left open for a day.

Question No. 2. How to transplant seedlings to a permanent growing location?

Sunny, wind-protected areas that have not grown tomatoes, potatoes or peppers for the past few years are suitable. A good prelude is onions, cucumbers and cabbage. Plants are planted at a distance of 30 cm from each other and 60 cm between rows. Make a hole and carefully lay out the contents of the pot along with the soil.

Question No. 3. What temperatures do eggplants prefer?

A temperature of 25-28 °C is suitable. Eggplants do not tolerate temperature changes. If the values fall below 10 °C for several days, the ovary will fall off.

Question No. 4. Which varieties to choose for long-term storage?

The varieties Black Beauty, Giselle and Donetsk Harvest are chosen for storage and transportation.

Question No. 5. Which frost-resistant varieties should I choose for garden beds?

Cold-resistant varieties include King of the North (the fruits ripen in 95 days), Marzipan (has good disease resistance), Black Beauty and Taste of Mushrooms.

Eggplant varieties for greenhouses

Planting indoors makes the gardener’s task a little easier. This is achieved by stabilizing the temperature and a certain humidity. Plant growth proceeds at a measured pace, everything develops in a timely manner, ovaries form on time and fruits ripen.

The selection of varieties is also necessary according to certain criteria:

daylight hours;
cold resistance;
and other characteristics important to an individual family.

Bagheera F1

High immunity to common crop diseases makes this hybrid popular among summer residents. Does not require special care.

Characteristic:

grows up to 1.4 m;
ready for use on the 115th day;
harvest volume 3 kg per bush;
the hue of eggplant skin is purple;
cylinder shape;
vegetable weight 250 g, length 20 cm, diameter 5 cm;
the flesh inside is creamy;
There is bitterness in the taste.

The Bagheera hybrid does not tolerate low and high temperatures; this problem will not be so acute in a greenhouse. Compact bushes take up little space.

Caviar F1

An excellent hybrid, resistant to diseases and suitable for a variety of dishes using it. Can be used for any kitchen table masterpiece.

Description:

grows up to 80 cm;
ready for use on the 125th day;
harvest volume 7 kg per 1 m2;
The shade of eggplant skin is dark purple;
pear-shaped;
vegetable weight 350 g, length 18 cm, diameter 8 cm;
the pulp inside is light;
There is no bitter taste and there are no seeds.

Compliance with planting rules and timely implementation of agrotechnical techniques will help to obtain a record harvest.

Black Prince

Another great job by the producers of new varieties. The developed variety of the crop is undemanding to the composition of the soil, unpretentious, and has the ability to quickly form ovaries.

Characteristic:

grows up to 60 cm;
ready for use on the 115th day;
harvest volume 8 kg per 1 m2;
The hue of eggplant skin is deep purple;
curved cylinder shape;
vegetable weight 350 g, length 20 cm, diameter 7 cm;
the flesh inside is greenish;
They don't taste bitter.

There are no thorns, which greatly simplifies the work of collecting vegetables. The productive type of crop Black Prince allows you to collect your own planting material.

Donetsk fruitful

This early-ripening variety is relatively resistant to Fusarium wilt. Undemanding in care, it is rapidly gaining recognition among summer residents.

Description:

grows up to 50 cm;
ready for use on the 130th day;
harvest volume 5.5 kg per 1 m2;
the hue of eggplant skin is purple;
oblong shape;
vegetable weight 130 g, length 20 cm, diameter 7 cm;
the pulp inside is light;
They don't taste bitter.

To grow eggplants of the Donetsk fruitful variety, you won’t have to face any difficulties. There is no need to do anything special; only standard agrotechnical practices are performed.

Hippopotamus

High-yielding hybrid, suitable for growing in a greenhouse. The plant has thorns and should be harvested with caution.

Characteristic:

grows up to 1.5 m;
ready for use on the 115th day;
harvest volume 17.5 kg per 1 m2;
The shade of eggplant skin is dark purple;
pear-shaped;
vegetable weight 350 g, length 18 cm, diameter 8 cm;
the flesh inside is beige;
They don't taste bitter.

Following all the requirements for care and cultivation, 5-6 kg of vegetables are harvested from 1 bush.

Lolita

The species is high-yielding and is recommended for planting in protected ground, as it absolutely does not tolerate wind and cold weather. With proper care it produces record yields. A special feature of the variety is its ability to grow in any soil composition.

Description:

grows up to 2.7 m;
ready for use on the 110th day;
harvest volume 5 kg per 1 m2;
the hue of eggplant skin is purple;
oblong shape;
vegetable weight 300 g, length 25 cm, diameter 7 cm;
the flesh inside is creamy;
They don't taste bitter.

The volume of Lolita's harvest depends on the climatic characteristics of the growing region and the correct implementation of agrotechnical care techniques.

Baikal F1

The vegetable ripens quite early, in addition, it has high immunity. Therefore, preventive treatment is not required. The plant is so unpretentious that caring for it consists of timely watering and fertilizing.

Characteristics:

grows up to 1.2 m;
ready for use on the 110th day;
harvest volume 8 kg per 1 m2;
The shade of eggplant skin is dark purple;
pear-shaped;
vegetable weight 300 g, length 20 cm, diameter 6 cm;
the flesh inside is white;
They don't taste bitter.

A garter to the supports is recommended. The plant itself is not able to withstand the heavy weight of the fruit. Vegetables are suitable for any method of preparation; the preparation of hot dishes and snacks is dictated by the fact that the fruits are not bitter and have an excellent taste.

Fat gentleman

The uniqueness of its appearance makes the variety popular among lovers of unusual vegetables. Fruit sets when there is a temperature difference.

Description:

grows up to 1 m;
ready for use on the 120th day;
harvest volume 8 kg per 1 m2;
The hue of eggplant skin is deep purple;
ball shape;
vegetable weight 200 g, length 16 cm, diameter 12 cm;
the pulp inside is light and dense;
They don't taste bitter.

The plants are unpretentious, but require obligatory gartering to supports.

Vikar

The plant calmly tolerates minor cold snaps, the ovaries do not fall off, and the plant continues to set new ones. It has no special care requirements; it is enough to take into account the advice of experienced summer residents and actively apply them in practice.

Characteristic:

grows up to 1 m;
ready for use on the 115th day;
harvest volume 4.8 kg per 1 m2;
The shade of eggplant skin is light purple;
pear-shaped;
vegetable weight 150 g, length 20 cm, diameter 7 cm;
the flesh inside is light green;
They don't taste bitter.

Widely used in preparing various dishes. The use of vegetables in cooking depends on the imagination and skills of the housewife. There are few thorns on the bushes, it is advisable to take precautions when harvesting.

Alenka

Recommended for growing in protected soil; under other planting conditions the fruits become smaller. The original color makes the variety popular among lovers of unusual vegetables.

Description:

grows up to 70 cm;
ready for use on the 105th day;
harvest volume 7 kg per 1 m2;
The tint of eggplant skin is greenish;
cylinder shape;
vegetable weight 350 g, length 15 cm, diameter 6 cm;
the pulp inside is light green, dense;
They don't taste bitter.

Plants of the Alenka species require staking and formation, but otherwise the care is no different from other vegetable crops. Regular watering stimulates high fruit set.

Northern blues

Bushes form ovaries under conditions of temporary temperature changes. Vegetables have excellent taste, tender and dense.

Characteristics:

grows up to 1.7 m;
ready for use on the 105th day;
harvest volume 4.5 kg per 1 m2;
The shade of eggplant skin is dark lilac;
pear-shaped;
vegetable weight 250 g, length 13 cm, diameter 6 cm;
the flesh inside is beige, medium-dense;
They don't taste bitter.

The high yield volume and unpretentiousness are adding more and more admirers to this variety.

Planting care

Immediately after transplanting into the garden, eggplants grow very slowly; normal growth resumes after two weeks, when the seedlings have taken root well. At this time, care should be minimal: you just need to keep the soil slightly moist and loose. After growth resumes, care includes watering, fertilizing, loosening and shaping the bushes.

Eggplants in open ground

The soil in the eggplant bed should always be slightly moist. If the plant gets too dry, the leaves begin to fall off, then the buds disappear, and the stem becomes woody. Eggplants require a lot of water, but do not tolerate excessive waterlogging. Watering should only be done with water heated in the sun. They do it at the root; mulch may also need to be restored.

Until the first flowers appear in normal weather, eggplants are watered once a week in the morning or evening. The norm is about a bucket per 1 m2. In hot weather and in the absence of rain, the frequency of watering will have to be increased. As soon as the flowers bloom, you need to water more often. At the same time, summer residents who come to the site only on weekends should set a double rate of water on these days: it’s better to do this than to dry out the soil. Water temperature - not lower than 25 oC.

After each watering or rain, loosening is carried out. At first, you can lightly hill up the plants. This technique stimulates the appearance of additional roots and, naturally, increases productivity in this way. You can simply add fertile soil taken from another place to the roots. Of course, the beds are also thoroughly weeded at the same time.

There is no need to feed until fruit sets, unless, of course, the bushes are growing normally. If this is not the case, they are fed with solutions of complete mineral fertilizers. But then the eggplants are fed frequently, almost every two weeks. The minimum number of feedings during the growing season is three. At the same time, at first the best option is infusions of mullein or bird droppings, and during the period of massive fruit growth, eggplants do not need to be given nitrogen, so a solution of superphosphate and potassium sulfate is made. However, it is quite possible to replace this mixture with an infusion of wood ash.

In a warm garden bed, the harvest will grow well, but you need to constantly care for the plants

Most varieties and hybrids of eggplant require proper formation of bushes. However, this is mainly required in greenhouses; In open ground, gardeners often give eggplants the opportunity to grow naturally. However, basic pruning should not be neglected. At the very least, we need to pinch off unnecessary stepsons while they still just appear. This is done with your fingers or pruning shears, whichever is more convenient. This simple operation allows eggplants to save the nutrition they receive and direct it to the formation and growth of fruits. It is convenient to carry out stepsoning weekly: during this time the stepsons do not have time to grow more than 5 cm.

Eggplants in a greenhouse

Growing eggplants in a greenhouse near Moscow is, of course, easier than in open ground, but it will require even more work. Firstly, it doesn’t rain in the greenhouse, which means you will have to water more often. Secondly, eggplants, of course, need warmth, but there is no need for excessive heat. This means that in the summer the greenhouse must be ventilated. Without ventilation, in stagnant, humid air, plant diseases quickly arise. When watering, water is supplied only to the roots, but so that the soil is soaked to a depth of at least 20 cm.

If, when growing in unprotected soil, you don’t have to come to the site during the week, this may not work with a greenhouse. Without ventilation in the hot season, the temperature can rise to 35 ° C or higher, and in such heat the eggplants do not set.

Shading the windows can help a little, but the blue sun is also necessary!

The feeding regime does not differ from that when growing outside a greenhouse, but great attention is paid to the formation of bushes. After all, in greenhouses they try to plant tall varieties in order to save space, so at least the bushes must be tied to supports. These can be either separate stakes for each bush or a common trellis. Eggplants are tied, like any similar crops, with soft twine in the figure eight manner.

There are various schemes for the formation of bushes; in a greenhouse they are not limited to just pinching. All schemes come down to how many stems are left on the plant. Without discussing their differences in detail, we will only say that the first time they approach the bushes for this purpose is when they grow to 30 cm. The top of the main stem is pinched, after which the side shoots begin to grow. But there are many of them, so when it is possible to distinguish the strongest and most well located, no more than five are left.

In the greenhouse, no extra shoots are left on the eggplant bushes, and the bushes can also be tied to a common wire stretched at the top

If a sufficient number of fruits have formed on the shoot, and it is still growing, the top is also pinched off. All shaping operations are stopped a month before the last harvest: now the plant’s forces must be directed to ripening the fruits.

Video: everything about growing eggplants in the Moscow region

Which variety to choose

The right choice depends on how the crop will be grown. For greenhouses and open ground, early and medium varieties are chosen. It is best not to plant late varieties, as their cultivation is impractical. The first autumn frosts will destroy the entire crop, preventing it from reaching technical maturity.

The main signs that must be present are:

resistance to low temperatures;
short growing season.

The remaining properties of the varieties are selected at the request of the summer resident. Breeders are developing special early ripening varieties with a growing season of 85-90 days:

Dwarf early.
King of the North and other varieties.

If you choose among hybrids, then in addition to the listed characteristics, productivity, unpretentiousness, high immunity and other important characteristics are added.

How to grow eggplant seedlings for the Moscow region

This is a complex process, but if you delve into all the details, then planting seeds for seedlings will not cause any difficulties. Ready-made plants are purchased from hand. But it is best to grow seedlings yourself.

First of all, prepare the soil and planting material. The land must be fertile, the composition is as follows:

1 part of turf land;
1 part river sand with silt;
2 parts humus.

Everything is thoroughly mixed, the finished mixture is filled with containers in which the seedlings will be grown. Eggplants have a root system that is easily injured. Due to damage to the roots, the plants will become sick or completely dry out.

It is recommended to sow planting material directly into containers. Take disposable ones or use peat pots. Then the plant experiences virtually no stress after being moved to a permanent location. Seeds are checked for germination before sowing. To do this, take a small part and wrap it in gauze.

Keep it constantly moist, and after 4-5 days check the number of sprouted plants. If it is less than 50%, it is not advisable to sow such seeds; if it is more, then the planting material is suitable for sowing.

The timing of planting seeds for seedlings is the second ten days of February - the first ten days of March. The sowing depth is 1-2 cm, then the containers are covered with glass or covered with polyethylene. Place for germination in a dark, warm place. After the shoots emerge, place them in the sun and keep the soil moist all the time. At first, use a spray bottle for watering. If there is a lack of sunlight, additional illumination is provided. Only 12-14 hours a day. For plants with short daylight hours, provide additional lighting for no longer than 12 hours a day. To support, water 1-2 times with growth stimulants or complex fertilizers.

Growing seedlings

Growing seedlings is an important stage in eggplant cultivation. The endurance of adult plants and their productivity depend on how high-quality the seedlings turn out.

The timing of sowing seeds differs in different regions:

in cities with a southern climate - the end of February;
in the central regions - the first half of March;
northern - late March or early April.

Plants are planted in open ground 2.5 months after sowing the seeds. By this time the soil should warm up to +20°C.

Selection of seed

High-quality planting material is the key to a good harvest and strong, viable plants. The list provides some tips for choosing eggplant seeds:

High-yielding varieties are demanding on soil composition and difficult to care for. For the first time, it is better to choose less demanding crops that produce a small amount of fruit. For beginning gardeners, these varieties will be more productive.

Immunity. Preferably eggplants that are resistant to infections

It is especially important to have resistance to viral pathogens that cannot be treated or prevented.

Resistance to temperature changes. This parameter is especially important for the northern and central regions

Such varieties have a less delicate taste, but are distinguished by simple agricultural technology.

Hybrid seeds often have more uniform fruits and high resistance to unfavorable environmental factors. Seeds from their harvest do not retain hybrid characteristics and are not suitable for cultivation. Therefore, if you plan to harvest seeds from fruits, choose varietal plants.

Each variety or hybrid is intended for cultivation in a specific climatic zone. Use planting material designed for growing in a specific area.

Better germination will be achieved by seeds that are disinfected and coated with a nutrient coating in the factory.

There are many varieties available at gardening markets. Examples of the most unpretentious:

Bibo;
King of the North;
Vakula.

Preparing seeds for planting

Before sowing the planting material, it is prepared

This is especially important for those seeds that have not been processed in the factory. This procedure reduces the likelihood of plant infection, accelerates the appearance of the first shoots and increases their resistance to negative environmental factors:

Warming up the planting material. It is enough to place the package with seeds 2 weeks before sowing near the battery. This stimulates the emergence of seedlings.
Checking seeds for germination. They are soaked in a glass of water with the addition of 1 tsp. salt. Planting material that has sunk to the bottom is considered suitable for planting.
Disinfection of planting material. For this purpose, the seeds are soaked for 20 minutes in home remedies (light pink solution of potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide) and in store-bought preparations (Fitosporin) according to the instructions.
Growth stimulation. This procedure will increase the germination of seeds, accelerate their germination and improve resistance to temperature changes. As home remedies, use aloe juice, honey water (1 tsp per 1 tbsp. water), soda solution (1 tsp. per 1 tbsp. water). Special drugs are sold in stores (Epin, Kornevin).

Some gardeners additionally germinate seeds before sowing. To do this, they are placed in a warm place, first wrapped in a damp cloth for 3-4 days. This step is optional.

A few words about containers and soil

Eggplants need a nutritious, light soil mixture with neutral acidity. This soil can be purchased at the store (universal mixture for seedlings) or prepared independently.

Option for preparing nutrient soil:

garden soil, humus and sand in a ratio of 2:2:1;
peat, river sand and compost - 2:1:1;
humus, garden soil, rotted manure, sawdust - 3:3:1:1.

After preparation, the soil is disinfected. To do this, it is calcined for half an hour in the oven or in a water bath. Another option is to water the soil with a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate.

Add 1 tbsp to a bucket of treated soil mixture. ash and 0.5 tbsp. potassium sulfate. The soil is left in a warm place for 2 weeks so that beneficial microorganisms can form in it.

Eggplants do not tolerate picking well. Their seeds are sown immediately in individual containers. It is better if these are peat pots or tablets, from which you do not need to remove the plants when transplanting them to a permanent place.

Plastic pots, cassettes and containers made from scrap materials are also used. It is treated with a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate

It is important that there are drainage holes in the bottom

Growing eggplants in a greenhouse and open ground

Growing a crop seems difficult at first glance. In fact, there shouldn't be any problems. Moreover, this applies not only to beginners, but also to experienced vegetable growers.

Seedlings are planted in the greenhouse in the second ten days of May. It should be planted in open ground in late May - early June. Despite the fact that the crop develops and grows better in a greenhouse, not all summer residents have the opportunity to buy or install it on their site.

But eggplants also grow in the fresh air; arches are built over them with polyethylene stretched over them. This protects against drafts and nighttime temperature drops. When growing crops in a greenhouse, prepare the soil in advance; it is advisable to do this in the fall. The soil is enriched with mineral fertilizers, humus and wood ash.

What they like and don’t like about eggplants

Soil rich in humos, light or medium in mechanical composition. They are photophilous, short-day plants, grow and bear fruit better in a 10-12 hour day. When germinating seeds, the optimal temperature is 22-26 degrees; seeds do not germinate below 13 degrees. The best temperature for plant growth is 25-30 degrees, at 15 degrees growth stops, at 0.5 the plant dies.

With a lack of heat in the spring, elevated temperatures in the summer months, lack of nutrition and uneven moisture, eggplants shed buds, flowers and ovaries.

The culture is moisture-loving: with a lack of moisture, eggplant buds fall off, fruiting stops, and the quality of the fruit deteriorates. Pests and diseases: nematodes, Colorado potato beetle.

When to Harvest

It all depends on the variety being grown. Different ripening periods, size and color of the vegetable make it difficult to clearly define a ripe fruit. Early varieties are picked 2-3 weeks after the flowers appear. But such fruits are not very tasty. The variety exhibits excellent taste characteristics only at the stage of technical maturity.

The fruits are picked once every 5 days, this will provoke the appearance of new ovaries on the bushes. The richer the glossy shine, the riper the vegetables.

Harvesting is dictated by a specific purpose. If a vegetable is needed for preparing a dish or preparing food for the winter, technically mature specimens are used. If it is necessary to collect planting material, then wait until biological maturity.

How to determine the technical maturity of fruits is difficult to answer unambiguously, since different varieties ripen differently. It is important to follow the deadline given by the manufacturer. And then only if the plants did not get sick and did not stop growing for some time. The lowest fruits ripen first, then, gradually moving upward, the rest ripen. The harvested crop is stored for several months, again depending on the type of crop.

Carefully selected specimens should be stored in boxes with straw or parchment paper. Install them in a dark, cool room with a constant temperature.

Mistakes of inexperienced gardeners

Mistakes are made not only by beginners, but also by those summer residents who have been growing crops on their plot for years. Anyone can make mistakes in their work:

Planting seedlings in the ground. When they wanted, they transplanted it. This is wrong; 60-day-old seedlings will give a full harvest. Its quantity will be as close as possible to the declared indicators.
Violation of the root system. Picking or transplanting into containers from which the plants are then torn out leads to damage to the roots. After this, the transplanted seedling gets sick for a long time and begins to lag in growth.
Undesirable neighborhood. Growing in beds next to tomatoes and potatoes. Plants oppress each other and generously share diseases and pests.
Improper loosening. When providing oxygen access to the root system, it is important not to overdo it. If you loosen the soil too deeply, the delicate roots will be damaged. The plant stops growing and begins to hurt. The bush may die.
Correct formation. Removing excess shoots means that the remaining fruits receive more nutrition. As a result, tasty, large eggplants grow.

Planting crops in the Moscow region is not a difficult task. You need to acquire a greenhouse or build one yourself. Plant the seeds for seedlings and, following standard techniques, take good care of the eggplants. In return, the plants will give the full harvest declared by the manufacturers.