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Most gardeners believe that eggplant is a whimsical, heat-loving crop that is difficult to grow in the middle climatic zone of Our Country. However, this opinion is erroneous, and unsuccessful cultivation practices are most likely associated with the wrong choice of seed variety or with non-compliance with cultivation rules. Below are the best eggplant varieties adapted to relatively harsh weather conditions and recommendations for growing them.
Variety choice
The middle zone of Our Country is characterized by a short and rather cool summer. In this regard, eggplant varieties should be selected for cultivation, which are not too demanding on the light regime. Also, the best harvest can be obtained in the presence of a greenhouse or greenhouse, which will become a protection from wind and bad weather, keep warm at night. Planting eggplants in open ground is also possible, however, in this case, the planting method must be seedling, and young plants must be protected with a film cover.
The most adapted, cold-resistant eggplant varieties for growth and fruiting in mid-latitude conditions include:
Purple Haze
Eggplant, which grows well both in open areas and in greenhouses, greenhouses. Belongs to the category of early ripening, as it ripens in 90-105 days after sowing the seeds. The bush is quite compact, not higher than 70 cm, in the care it requires regular top dressing, loosening. For relatively modest care, the plant will thank the owner with a decent harvest of up to 15 kg / m2.
The taste and appearance of the vegetable are excellent: the flesh is snow-white, does not contain bitterness, the peel is thin, light purple or bright purple. The shape of the vegetable is cylindrical, the length is small – up to 18 cm.
King of the North
One of the most cold hardy varieties. It was bred specifically for relatively cold climatic conditions, in which it grows well and bears fruit abundantly. The culture is early ripe, it takes no more than 100 days after sowing to give the first harvest. This variety has excellent fruit set, which allows you to achieve a yield of up to 15 kg / m2.
The plant has a modest size, up to 40 cm high, which makes it suitable for growing in greenhouses and outdoor areas protected by a polyethylene shelter.
In addition to excellent survival, the variety has an excellent taste, thin, delicate skin. The pulp of the fruit is snow-white, exceptionally tender and absolutely does not contain bitterness. The vegetable itself is quite long (up to 35 cm), cylindrical in shape.
Valentina F1
A very early ripe hybrid, ripening 90-95 days after sowing seeds. Grown mainly in open ground, resistant to low temperatures.
Eggplants of this variety have excellent taste and appearance. Its peel is thin, dark purple, or rather even black. The length of the vegetable reaches 26 cm, and the weight exceeds 200 g. The flesh is white, does not taste bitter and is perfect for creating all kinds of culinary delights. The only drawback of the variety is a relatively modest yield – up to 5 kg / m2.
long purple
An early maturing variety that matures in 95 days in a greenhouse. The plant is very compact, adapted to grow in sheltered and open conditions. The yield of the variety is low – up to 5 kg / m2, however, it can be increased by artificial pollination during flowering.
The length of the fruit varies from 12 to 24 cm, respectively, and the weight of the vegetable can be at the level of 100-300g, depending on the growing conditions. Eggplant pulp is juicy, soft, white.
Siberian early 148
The brainchild of domestic selection, bred specifically for cultivation in central Our Country. The variety has exceptional resistance to low temperatures and poor climatic conditions. An excellent harvest is guaranteed by breeders even in Siberian conditions already 105 days after sowing.
The culture is grown both in greenhouse conditions and in open areas. The bushes are low, compact, give a yield of up to 6 kg / m2. The average weight of a vegetable is 200g.
Similar agrotechnical characteristics and high adaptability to cool summer weather, a short light period are also characteristic of another hybrid of the West Siberian selection – the Siberian Argument F1.
Dwarf early 921
A popular variety among eggplant lovers. He received his fame not only because of the ability to bear fruit abundantly in the conditions of middle climatic latitudes, but also because of the excellent taste, unpretentiousness in care. The fruit ripening period does not exceed 100 days from the date of sowing the seeds. The yield of the variety in greenhouse conditions reaches 10 kg / m2.
Eggplants are pear-shaped, with dark purple skin. The average weight of a vegetable is about 250 g.
Epic F1
Ultra-early hybrid: a little more than 64 days pass from seed germination to fruiting. Grown in open areas, bears fruit in the amount of up to 6 kg/m2.
Drop-shaped eggplants with black and purple skin. Their length reaches 21 cm, and the weight is 230 g. The taste of the vegetable is good.
Diamond
One of the best varieties, which is included in the TOP-5 of the most popular eggplants. Its good yield (8 -10 kg/m2), excellent taste and unpretentiousness in care are the main advantages of the variety. It is perfectly adapted to the climate of central Our Country.
The bush is low (up to 55 cm), adapted to open ground and greenhouses, greenhouses. Fruits in 110 days after sowing the seed. Eggplants are small (length up to 17 cm, weight up to 160g), but very tasty. Their flesh is dense, greenish, with a sweet aftertaste. The vegetable is ideal for creating culinary dishes and winter preparations.
Czech early
An early ripe eggplant variety suitable for growing in greenhouses, hotbeds and open areas. When planting seedlings in May, the first harvest can be tested in August. The plant is relatively short, up to 50 cm high. Unfortunately, the yield does not exceed 5 kg / m2.
Eggplants of this variety have an ovoid shape. Their weight reaches 600 g.
Northern Blues F1
An early maturing hybrid, excellent for growing even in the harsh conditions of Siberia. Planted exclusively in a greenhouse. The significant height of the bush (up to 170 cm) implies a mandatory garter.
Eggplants are lilac, oval in shape with a diameter of up to 18 cm. Unfortunately, the yield of this northern variety does not exceed 3 kg / m2.
Alenka
The variety is unique not only in its adaptability to harsh climatic conditions, but also in the light green color of the peel, which is unusual for eggplant. The culture is early ripe, its fruits ripen 110 days after sowing. Adapted exclusively to greenhouse conditions.
Eggplant pulp is greenish, sweet, which allows you to eat the vegetable raw. Fruit length up to 15 cm, weight up to 320g, yield 8 kg/m2.
Puff
A bright representative of white varieties of eggplant. A small oval fruit with white flesh and a very pleasant taste. The average weight of an eggplant reaches 200 g.
The culture is grown only in greenhouses, perfectly adapted to the middle latitudes. 105 days after sowing the seeds, the active phase of fruiting begins. The plant is tall – up to 180 cm, requires a garter. Despite the fact that the fruits are relatively small, their mass allows you to achieve a yield of up to 5 kg / m2.
Amethyst
An excellent early maturing variety adapted to open ground conditions even when cultivated in mid-latitudes. You can enjoy the harvest already 100 days after sowing the seed of this variety. The yield is quite high (up to 8 kg/m2), which allows you to prepare a vegetable for the winter.
Dark purple eggplant, pear-shaped with white flesh, excellent taste, without bitterness. Its skin is thin and tender. The average fruit weight is 250 g.
Kirovsky
One of the best varieties of domestic selection. Adapted to low temperatures and lack of light. The ripening period is minimal and is no more than 90-95 days. The plant is very compact, no more than 65 cm high. At the same time, the crop yield reaches 5 kg / m2.
Eggplants are small, up to 15 cm long, with a dark purple color. The pulp of the fruit is snow-white, juicy, dense.
In addition to the above varieties, the following varieties Matrosik, Lebediny, Nutcracker and some others are adapted to harsh climatic conditions. You can see some of them on the video:
Growing rules
In the middle latitudes of Our Country, eggplants are mainly grown in seedlings. Seeds are pre-grown in small cups at home. Eggplant has a long growing season and it takes about 2 weeks for the seed to germinate. The grown seedlings are hardened 2 weeks before picking into the ground, periodically taking them out into the street.
The soil in the greenhouse or in the garden must be prepared. To do this, it is heated with the help of special additives or mulch. Sand, ash, peat and other components that are present in a glass with seedlings are introduced into the soil. This will allow the plant to take root painlessly in the new conditions.
Eggplants are especially demanding on the microclimate of the environment in which they grow. They love watering, but they do not tolerate excessively high humidity. Heat and ventilation are also necessary conditions for growth. A favorable microclimate for eggplants in a greenhouse can only be created with regular ventilation and watering. In the case of planting a plant on open ground, it is necessary to provide wind protection in the form of artificial screens, tall plants. Covering with plastic wrap is also a great option for outdoor areas, but this can only be done when choosing seeds for undersized eggplants.
During the period of active growth, it is necessary to pinch the bush, so that 6-8 ovaries remain on the plant, this will allow the fruits to form and ripen successfully in a timely manner. Top dressing is also a necessary condition for obtaining a rich harvest. Particular attention should be paid to nitrogen-containing fertilizers.
Harvesting requires compliance with certain rules:
- the fruits are removed when the characteristic skin color is achieved;
- regular harvesting will allow young eggplants to ripen safely;
- if you wish to prepare seeds of a certain variety, 1-2 fruits can be left until full biological maturation.
Some recommendations for growing are shown in the video:
Conclusion
Eggplant is considered an exceptionally heat-loving crop, however, with the help of breeders, it has perfectly adapted to the conditions of middle climatic latitudes. By choosing the best eggplant varieties and providing a favorable microclimate for them, every gardener will be able to get delicious vegetables for seasonal consumption and winter harvesting.