We had long stretches of triple digit heat in Central CA and somehow it seemed the eggplants handled the heat more than our tomatoes did. We have drought conidtions in the Summer. I assume your climate could be similad. We had Shikai, Black Beauty, and I think Millionaire. Millionaire is an Asian type of eggplant.
They need some time to grow adequate foliage before the heat comes in during your season. They also need a chance to recover from transplant shock if you're planting around a small 3 gallon plant from the store before heat comes in. Mine defoliated after transplant and changed the leaf structure, interestingly.
We had long stretches of triple digit heat in Central CA and somehow it seemed the eggplants handled the heat more than our tomatoes did. We had Shikai, Black Beauty, and I think Millionaire. Millionaire is an Asian type of eggplant.
They need some time to grow adequate foliage before the heat comes in during your season. They also need a chance to recover from transplant shock if you're planting around a small 3 gallon plant from the store before heat comes in. Mine defoliated after transplant and changed the leaf structure, interestingly.
I live in Texas City and this is my second time growing egg plant. Last year it was unsuccessful due to the heat and planting too late in the season. This year I’m doing really good because I planted my seeds early in the Spring. This is also my first time cooking eggplant. My husband and I are loving them.
Eggplant can be grown here in Florida 9b pretty much all year....at least that is what we do. We keep the same plants growing and producing all year.
I would avoid the long Japanese varieties though. We have had better luck with the globe-shaped ones. I put the small plants out under some kind of protection, like a milk carton or such, until they get established. When we get the occasional cold and windy weather, mostly in Jan., I cover the plants with a light blanket, and take it off right away when the weather moderates.
Otherwise, they just do fine.
Bug-wise, I use insecticidal soap spray, or, Bt. The bugs damage some leaves but not the fruits, usually.
Good luck.
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