Eggplant (Brinjal)
Solanum melongena
Loves heat and sun; prolific in large pots with steady feeding.
🌞 Light & Temperature
Light: Full sun
Temperature: 24–34°C
🪴 Pot & Soil
Pot: 30–40 L pot; sturdy stake and rich soil.
Soil Mix: Rich loam with compost and some sand/perlite; pH 6.0–6.8
💧 Watering
Schedule: Dry season: 2–3x/week; Rainy season: 1–2x/week if no rain
Amount: 3–4 L per watering
Maintain consistent moisture to avoid bitterness; mulch helps
🧪 Fertilizing
Type: Balanced fertilizer shifting to higher K at flowering
Frequency: Every 2 weeks
Dosage: 25–40 g/month per plant; add compost quarterly
🥕 Harvest
Start: 70–90 days from transplant
Duration: Fruiting over 2–3 months with regular picking
Harvest Indicators: Fruits glossy, firm, with visible seeds immature; press thumb leaves slight indentation
Tips: Cut with a bit of stem; do not wait until dull/matt skin
🌱 Propagation
Seeds; transplant when 4–6 true leaves
🐛 Pests & Diseases
- Aphids & mites: Neem 1% weekly; overhead rinse in morning
- Fruit borer: Bag fruits; sanitize; Bt spray if required
🌦️ Seasonal Notes (Malaysia)
Shelter flowers from heavy monsoon rain to improve set.
📝 Planting Notes
Stake and prune to 3–4 main stems.
💡 Extra Care Tips
- Mulch generously
- Avoid drought stress to prevent bitterness
Note
Schedules are guidelines—adjust for your microclimate, pot size, and weather. During heavy monsoon rain, reduce watering and improve drainage.