Discussion Board

So my poor eggplants are dropping their blossoms... SUggestions? Please.

should I try epsom salts? like you would with tomatoes?
They look healthy in every other way.
Or am I watering them too much? once a day in the morning.
or is it maybe just not hot enough for them?

I thought I would update this...not that anyone seemed interested but you never know LOL
anyway

I finally got some actual fruits on my eggplants.

I believe I was facing a two fold issue. First they were in one of the shadier parts in my vegetable garden... so they were not getting really enough sun.

and second tehy needed some nutrients... I fertalized them and they are much happier. I will remember next year that they are heavy feeders.

I haven't grown eggplant very often so am not that experienced with it. I do know it takes a longer season to grow them than some other veggies. You said they were in the shade, that was likely a big factor. Another might be that the blossoms were not pollinated.

With most tomatoes, which are in the same family as eggplant, blossoms also will drop if it's not warm enough over night. I think that's in the mid 50*F. Perhaps eggplant has a similar warmth requirement. Just a guess.

Add: I was curious and found this: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/vegetab ... ng-off.htm

Hi Dendra yes I think they may need warmer weather and we are in a cooler area... as I live about 30 miles from the Monterey Coast.. and this year was a cooler than normal summer.
I plan on starting them sooner and putting them in the full sun next year which will give them some warmer temperatures.

Or maybe I will just grow the japanese kind next year which LOVE our climate here and produce massive amounts of eggplant here.

yeah they love the sun. Mine did really well this year. The best in years. I started them myself using Johnny's seeds and I had the biggest strongest plants. I was having to give away eggplants.

Sorry kitty, I never saw this one. Question, how did your tomatoes and peppers fare? I ask this because they have similar requirements. Yes, full sun and quite warm. And yes, if the Asian varieties seem to fare better locally, I'd go for that instead of the big ones. They mature more quickly, which sounds like it would be a good thing where you garden. Happy catalog shopping!