The egg tree (bot. Solanum melongena) grows relatively quickly, which makes it easy to think of growing a plant yourself from seeds. This is not too difficult either, but it does require some patience and care, because the young plants are quite sensitive.
Ripe eggplant fruit is full of seeds
Where can I get good seeds from?
You can find a selection of Solanum melongena in seed and garden shops, including plants with the well-known dark purple aubergines as well as other varieties. They all belong to the nightshade family, so they are related to the potato and tomato. All fruits are edible, but some only when heated. Young aubergines or unripe fruits contain unhealthy components such as solanine and bitter substances.
How do I treat the seeds?
The propagation of the egg tree absolutely needs sufficient heat and moisture. It is best to let the seeds soak in lukewarm water for about 24 hours to facilitate germination. Then sprinkle the seeds on growing substrate, moisten the seeds and cover them with a thin layer of substrate.
How long does germination take?
Ensure constant air and soil moisture during germination. You can cover the breeding pot with a transparent film for this. The temperatures should be as constant as possible between 20 °C and 25 °C.
After about 14 to 20 days, the first seedlings will appear. They are still quite sensitive, but need daily airing if they are kept under foil. However, you should wait another five to eight weeks before pricking out. The young plants are only allowed outside after the ice saints, they are not hardy.
The essentials in brief:
- Sowing possible from January to October
- sow on the windowsill or in the greenhouse
- Soak the seeds in lukewarm water
- Sow about 0.5 to 1 cm deep
- put in a warm and bright place
- keep evenly moist
- Germination temperature: around 20 °C to 25 °C
- Germination period: approx. 14 to 20 days
- prick out after about 5 to 8 weeks
tips
You don't necessarily need a greenhouse to germinate eggplant seeds. However, make sure that the temperature and humidity are evenly distributed.