What are optimal eggplant watering practices?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Watering: Vertically well-rooted eggplant benefits from a generous deep watering when needed. Watering at surface level will encourage shallow roots and dry out quickly, so it must be done at regular intervals and the plants must not be allowed to become stressed otherwise you may find you have more bitter fruits than you would like.
Depth and Frequency
- Water until moisture reaches 12-18 inches deep
- Check soil dryness at root level before reapplying
- Established plants need irrigation every 4-5 days
Application Method
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses at plant base
- Avoid overhead sprinklers that wet foliage unnecessarily
- Morning watering reduces evaporation loss significantly
Seasonal Adjustments
- Increase during flowering and fruiting stages
- Reduce frequency during cool rainy periods
- Container plants need daily checks in hot weather
Learn to read watering stress signals fast. Midday wilting is a form of temporary heat stress, not a result of thirst. Persistent morning droop means water them now. Yellow lower leaves mean they're getting too much. Curled upper leaves mean they aren't. I check my plants for these visual cues every day.
Adapt methods for different growing conditions; container plants will require more frequent watering supplies than those in ground beds. During holiday time, a self-watering pot or some form of wicking must be used. On clay soils where water is liable to run off, even when thrown out of an engine, the supply must be given very slowly. On sandy soils, the supply may be more frequent and somewhat shorter.
Moisture conservation techniques. Apply 3-inch organic mulch around your plants to conserve moisture throughout the growing season. Proper mulching can reduce evaporation by up to 70%. Buried olla clay pots near the roots will water them as desired, saving you money without sacrificing optimum conditions.
Water delivery? Measure it: place rain gauges or straight-sided containers in watering zones. Keep track weekly of the actual inches of water that were put down. I discovered my drip was supplying half of what I anticipated by simple measurement. Adjust as the plant's needs and weather vary.
Read the full article: How to Grow Eggplant Successfully at Home
