Growing Orient Charm Eggplants: A Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Eggplants are a delicious and nutritious addition to any home garden. They are members of the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Orient Charm is a hybrid variety of Asian eggplant that is known for its beautiful pinkish-purple oblong fruits and its short growing season.
About Orient Charm Eggplants
Orient Charm eggplants are a hybrid cultivar of Asian eggplant. They produce oblong fruits that are generally pinkish purple in color and reach sizes of around 8 inches (20.5 cm). This variety of eggplant is an excellent choice for gardeners with short growing seasons, as it matures in as little as 65 days.
How to Grow Orient Charm Eggplants
Growing Orient Charm eggplants is very similar to growing other varieties of eggplant. Here are the steps involved:
Starting Seeds
You can start Orient Charm eggplant seeds indoors using seed starting trays and grow lights about 6-8 weeks before the last predicted frost date of the season. To sow the seeds, fill the trays with seed starting mix. Add one or two seeds to each cell in the seed tray. Place the tray in a warm location and keep it consistently moist until germination takes place.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once the seedlings have germinated, grow them in a sunny window until all chance of frost has passed in the garden. Then, begin the process of hardening off the plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Once the seedlings are hardened off, you can transplant them outdoors into their growing location.
Choosing a Planting Site
Select a well-draining and amended garden bed that receives full sunlight, or plant in a deep container. Orient Charm eggplants need plenty of sunlight to produce fruit, so make sure to choose a planting site that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Planting
When planting Orient Charm eggplants, space the plants 2-3 feet apart. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil, gently firming the soil around the plant. Water the plant deeply after planting.
Watering
Orient Charm eggplants need consistent and frequent watering throughout the growing season. Water the plants deeply, especially during hot and dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing
Fertilize Orient Charm eggplants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct application rate.
Support
As the plants grow, they may need staking or the support of a trellis to remain upright. This is especially important for heavy bearing plants.
Harvesting
Orient Charm eggplants are ready to harvest when they are fully colored and have reached their desired size. Cut the fruits from the plant with a sharp knife.
Troubleshooting
- Blossom end rot: This is a common problem with eggplants, and it is caused by a calcium deficiency. To prevent blossom end rot, make sure to water the plants regularly and fertilize them with a fertilizer that contains calcium.
- Aphids: These are small, green insects that can infest eggplant plants. To control aphids, spray the plants with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, red spiders that can also infest eggplant plants. To control spider mites, spray the plants with a strong stream of water or use a miticide.
Conclusion
Growing Orient Charm eggplants is a rewarding experience, and it is a great way to add fresh, delicious eggplants to your home garden. By following the tips in this guide, you can grow healthy and productive Orient Charm eggplant plants.
