Brinjal/Eggplants can be perennial in locations without frost and require a lengthy, hot growth season of at least five months to produce. They require rich, drained soil. They can be produced from seeds sown directly in the ground, but because they take a while to bear fruit, you should speed up the process by growing them in trays four weeks prior to planting, then putting the seeds in the ground once the weather has warmed up. Germination of seeds will take two to three weeks. Plant your seeds around 1.5 to 2 feet apart, or 45 to 60 cm apart. Take the utmost caution when transplanting because it could impede plant growth. After 3–4 months, the plant will bear fruit.
Eggplants are self-supporting, compact shrubs that grow to a height of 40 to 90 cm; however, the heavier cultivars may require assistance.
Diseases of the Brinjal Plant:
In the same family as tomatoes, the Solanaceae, eggplants are susceptible to the soil-borne illness Verticillium wilt. The plant must be entirely removed in order to cure the condition. In addition, two-spotted mites, fruit flies, caterpillars, and aphids pose a threat.
Brinjal harvesting
Only pick the brinjal when the skin is smooth and firm. The fruit will wrinkle and taste unpleasant if it is left on the tree for a long time. The fruit should only be picked using pruning shears because the top of it has thorns. Six to eight fruits per plant will be produced by large types.
Variety of Brinjals
- European or Italian fruit varieties have traditional big, oval, pears or teardrop shapes. They have a length of 15 to 25 cm and come in several colours, including purple-black, soft-lavender, and pale green skin.
- The most well-liked and trustworthy variety is black beauty.
- The Lebanese or Asian varieties are between 10 and 20 centimetres long. They are finger-shaped fruits that form groups of three to six. Each plant produces 40 to 50 fruits.
- The fruit of the Thai Green cultivar is long and slender, and it can reach a length of 30 cm.
- French variety Casper has elongated, white-skinned fruit that is 15 cm long.
- Asian cuisine loves the variety of Thai round green. Small, spherical, and up to 5 cm in diameter, the fruit of this plant has light green and white stripes.
Purchase and storage of brinjals:
- Purchase eggplants with smooth skin, a plump appearance, and a healthy weight for their size.
- Only choose eggplants that are of a moderate size; larger eggplants may contain seeds.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to three days.
- Smaller ones can be kept in a plastic bag that is loosely sealed.
- Benefits of Eggplant for Health:
- According to research, eggplants contain phenols that may aid in regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Nasunin, a flavonoid found in
