Paramount Seeds Inc.
BOX 1866, Palm City, Florida 34991. Tel 772-221-0653, fax 772-221-0102
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Sowing can either be done in trays, with pricking out and then transplanting or sowing in modules and then transplanting. Sowing in trays Trays generally have a seed spacing of 4cm (1 1/2 in) and seeds are sown at a depth of 1cm (< 1/2 in). Ideally keep the temperature range between 28oC day temperature and 20oC night time temperature and water the trays with water at 20oC to encourage rapid germination. Sowing in modules normally does away with the need for pricking out. Take care to monitor temperature and moisture requirements. Prick out the seedlings at the cotyledon stage, just before the first leaf develops. This should be around 10 - 12 days after sowing. This is the time when seedlings are at their most vulnerable so be sure to either disinfect the soil or use a disease free medium. Temperature must not be lower than 18oC. Optimum temperatures are: 23oC to 25oC day time . 16oC to 18oC night time. Do not water below 18oC and do not let the ambient temperature fall to below 12oC otherwise malformation of fruit will occur.
Transplanting usually can be done 8 -10 weeks after sowing and plant density should be 1 - 2 plants per m2, according to method and time of cropping. Eggplant prefers light, deep well drained soils. Take into consideration preceding crops:
Plants may be staked (like tomatoes) to keep fruit straight and are harvested by clipping the fruit stem with shears. Picking the crop regularly will encourage further production. Fruit takes between 65 -80 days to reach maturity, depending on method of production, climate and variety. Colors vary from white to a deep purple or nearly black and from a globe shape to an elongated teardrop shape.
Please use the contact us form for information on the varieties available and current prices. |
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Eggplant (or Aubergine) Solanum Melongena l.