Do eggplants require vertical support structures?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.While eggplants are not true climbers, they can greatly benefit from a little vertical support. The heavy fruit of the plant can easily break stems that are struggling under their weight. Providing some support can also improve air circulation around the fruits themselves, reducing their risk of developing diseases. I learned this the hard way first, losing my favorite Black Beauty plant when its stem snapped.
Tomato Cage System
- Install sturdy 3-foot cages at transplanting time
- Ensure cage diameter accommodates mature plant spread
- Guide stems through openings as plants grow taller
Bamboo Stake Technique
- Insert 5-foot stakes 6 inches deep near main stem
- Secure stems with soft ties every 8-12 inches
- Use figure-eight ties allowing natural stem movement
Horizontal Netting
- Build frame with corner posts and horizontal wires
- Space wires 8 inches apart starting 12 inches high
- Train branches along wires for heavy-fruited varieties
Timing is important for support installation. If you wait and put them on later, you will disturb the roots. Place cages, stakes, and other necessary items at planting time. I add netting before the first fruits arrive at the size of golf balls. I put up supports while the plants are still pliable, usually first thing in the morning. This way, they are less likely to sustain damaging bruises while working around them.
Proper support offers other measurable benefits to the plant itself, including a yield increase of up to 20 to 30 percent through reduced fruit drop. Improving air circulation reduces the chances of fungal disease. Plants that are supported require less use of pesticides, and harvesting is easier without having to hunt through blinding foliage.
Choose your materials well. Galvanized steel cages hold up better to the elements than vinyl. Bamboo stakes need to be replaced yearly in a humid environment. Plastic netting has a much longer life than jute. Because they reward you with years of service, good tomato supports are worth a generous investment.
Read the full article: How to Grow Eggplant Successfully at Home
