How to grow Aubergine Violetta Lunga Seeds
Eggplant seeds are best sown indoors starting in March to April. Aim for a warm environment with consistent temperatures between 20-25°C during germination. Use a well-draining seed tray or individual pots filled with seed starting mix. Sow the seeds roughly 0.5 cm deep, ensuring and keep the soil consistently moist, but not overwatered during germination.
Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-14 days. Once they sprout, provide plenty of bright indirect sunlight. When the seedlings develop their first true leaves, thin them out to the strongest plant per pot. Once they have 4-6 true leaves, harden them off for outdoor planting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods over several days.
After all danger of frost has passed, you can transplant your seedlings outdoors. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained, fertile soil. Plant them at a spacing of 80 x 70 cm. Water regularly. Violetta Lunga Eggplants will take about 70-80 days to reach maturity. Pick when fruits have sized up and are firm fleshed and glossy. Be careful of the thorns!
Additional tips:
- You can pre-germinate the seeds using moist paper towels at 20°C before planting them in soil.
- Violetta Lunga thrives in warm environments and is well-suited for growing in a greenhouse or a warm, sheltered spot outdoors.
- Consider planting companion plants like beans, peas, peppers, marigolds, and nasturtiums. Avoid planting them near potatoes and kohlrabi.
- Harvest your eggplants when they are firm, glossy, and reach a length of around 20-30 cm.