ENZO F1 - Hybrid Eggplant Seeds

In late winter or early spring, sow two seeds per small pot, ¼ in (5 mm) deep. Cover, label, and water well. Keep the pots at about 68°F (20°C) in a propagator or in a clear plastic bag on a warm windowsill. Once germinated, keep on a bright windowsill above 59°F (15°C) and move them into 3½ in (9 cm) diameter pots when about 2 in (5 cm) tall.  

PLANT OUT: Harden off seedlings to be grown outdoors and only plant them out after all risk of frost has passed. Warm soil under fleece before planting. Plant the seedlings in a sunny, sheltered spot, spaced 18 in (45 cm) apart, or 12 in (30 cm) apart for dwarf varieties. Alternatively move the plants into 8 in (20 cm) diameter pots or grow bags to grow outdoors, in a greenhouse, or next to a bright window indoors.  

SUPPORT: Tie plants onto supporting canes as they grow. This will keep the eggplant fruits from touching the ground, which reduces disease and improves fruit shape, particularly on elongated fruits. Staking makes also harvesting easier. 

PRUNING: Pinch the first set of flowers as they bud. This encourages your plant to put more energy into growing sturdy stalks and deep roots instead of producing new fruit right away. Disinfect your pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease. If you have a dense plant, thin leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases, and remove old leaves from the lower portions of the plant. Remove flowers to maintain 5-6 fruits per plant for larger eggplant varieties. 

WATER AND FEED: Water plants regularly in hot weather and those grown in pots once or twice daily. Mist the foliage every day after flowering begins to help set fruit. Feed weekly with a liquid tomato fertilizer once the first fruits set.  

Pick eggplants once fruits are plump, smooth, and glossy, using pruners to cut the stem.