Table of Contents
Introduction
Brinjal, also known as eggplant or aubergine, is one of the most loved vegetables in Indian kitchens and a valuable crop for farmers. It is widely cultivated across the plains of India, and various dishes are prepared using brinjal. Often referred to as the “king of vegetables,” brinjal holds a special place in Indian cuisine.
Whether you’re a home gardener or a farmer looking to start brinjal farming, understanding how to grow brinjal from seed to harvest can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 7 simple steps to successfully cultivate brinjal from selecting the right variety to harvesting fresh, healthy produce.
Step 1: Climate, Soil, and Season for Sowing Brinjal Seeds
Climate for Brinjal Cultivation
Brinjal thrives in warm climates and is sensitive to frost. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 22°C to 33°C. It requires a long, warm season before fruit maturity. While late-round varieties tend to handle mild frost better than early-long varieties, extremely cool weather may cause the ovaries to split, resulting in deformed fruits.
Soil for Brinjal Cultivation
Brinjal grows well in a variety of soils but performs best in deep, fertile, and well-drained soils. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6. Light soils encourage robust crop development, while heavier soils are often preferred for achieving higher yields.
Season for Brinjal Cultivation
Brinjal can be grown in all three seasons in India across different regions. The summer crop is sown between February and March, while the rabi crop is sown from October to November. In hilly areas, seeds are typically sown in the months of April to May, and the seedlings are transplanted from May to June.
Step 2: Selecting the Right Brinjal Variety
Brinjal is a versatile crop, and there are many types of brinjal in various colors such as purple, green, and white, and in different shapes including long, oval, and round. Various factors such as local market preferences, climate, region, and maturity time can be considered while selecting a brinjal variety. For your convenience, a few brinjal varieties are listed below.
Step 3: Procuring Quality Brinjal Seeds
For successful brinjal farming, selecting high-quality seeds is essential. Even with the best cultivation practices, poor-quality seeds can result in low yields and weak plant health.
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Step 4: Land Preparation for Sowing Brinjal Seeds
The land can be ploughed 4 to 5 times to achieve a fine tilth. Apply 25 to 30 tonnes of FYM (farmyard manure) per hectare during the final ploughing.
Step 5: Sowing Brinjal Seeds
Seed Rate: Around 100 g of brinjal seeds per acre is recommended in the case of hybrids. However, the exact seed rate may vary based on spacing, method of sowing, and other factors.
Seed Treatment: Brinjal seeds sold by private companies are usually pre-treated with chemicals. However, if the seeds are not pre-treated, treat them with Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g per kg of brinjal seeds.
Generally, brinjal seeds are first raised in a nursery and then the seedlings are transplanted to the main field.
A raised bed needs to be prepared, and a well-decomposed FYM can be mixed at the rate of 3 kg per m² of nursery bed. A formalin solution can be used to sterilize the nursery bed. Formaldehyde can also be used for fumigation. After fumigation, the beds should be covered with polythene for 24 hours. Seeds are sown 4 to 5 days after the removal of the polythene sheets. In line sowing, a distance of 7.5 cm is maintained between rows. The beds are covered with straw or polythene until the seeds germinate. Seedlings should be protected from wind, direct sunlight, and excessive rainfall. The nursery can also be raised in polyhouses.
Seedlings that are 8 to 10 cm in height with 2 to 3 true leaves are ready for transplanting. Seedlings should be hardened before lifting for transplanting. Hardening is achieved by withholding water for 4 to 6 days before transplanting. Light irrigation should be given on the day of pulling the nursery.
At the time of transplanting, the soil around the seedlings should be pressed firmly, and the seedlings should be pulled without injuring the roots. For the summer crop, transplanting can be done on ridges and furrow systems for efficient water use.
Transplanting distance depends on soil fertility, climatic conditions, and the variety used. Generally, long-fruited varieties are transplanted at a spacing of 60 x 60 cm, and round-fruited varieties at 75 x 75 cm.
Step 6: Care After Sowing Brinjal Seeds
Water Management:
Brinjal is a shallow-rooted crop that requires frequent irrigation, especially during the early growth stages. In summer, irrigate every 3 to 4 days, while in winter, watering once every 12 to 15 days is generally sufficient, depending on soil moisture.
Furrow irrigation or drip irrigation can be followed. Drip irrigation is preferred as it helps conserve water and also reduces weed problems.
Weeding Management:
Manual weeding can be done at regular intervals depending on the level of weed infestation.
Step 7: Harvesting Brinjal
Harvest brinjal when the fruits reach a good size and have a shiny, smooth surface. The skin should appear glossy, which is a sign of freshness and proper maturity. To check if the fruit is ready, gently press it if it springs back, it’s still immature. Avoid delaying the harvest, as overripe brinjals may become hard and less tasty.
Common FAQs Related to Brinjal Seed Sowing
Q. What climate is best for growing brinjal?
A. Brinjal grows best in a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 33°C. It is sensitive to frost and requires a long, warm growing season for optimal fruit development.
Q. Which soil is best for growing brinjals?
A. Brinjal grows well in a variety of soils, but it thrives in deep, fertile, and well-drained loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.0.
Q. What is the seed rate of brinjal per acre?
A. Generally, the seed rate for brinjal is around 100 grams per acre for hybrid varieties. However, this may vary based on spacing and sowing methods.
Q. When can brinjal be harvested?
A. Brinjal can be harvested when the fruits reach a good size, and the skin appears glossy and smooth. Harvesting usually begins 100 to 120 days after sowing, depending on the variety.
Q. What is the scientific name of brinjal?
A. The scientific name of brinjal is Solanum melongena.
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