brinjal spikey / mullu kathirikai

🍆 Brinjal (Eggplant) Seed Sowing Guide

1. Season

Can be grown year-round in warm climates.

In India:

Kharif crop: June–July (nursery sowing) → transplant Aug–Sept

Rabi crop: Oct–Nov (nursery sowing) → transplant Dec–Jan

Summer crop: Jan–Feb (nursery sowing) → transplant March–April

2. Soil Preparation

Well-drained, fertile sandy loam to clay loam soils are ideal.

Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5.

Add 15–20 tons FYM/acre before sowing and plough to fine tilth.

3. Seed Preparation

Seed rate: 200–250 g/acre (for nursery raising).

Treat seeds with Trichoderma / Carbendazim to prevent damping-off and wilt.

Soak seeds in water for 12 hours to improve germination.

4. Nursery Sowing

Prepare raised nursery beds (1–1.5 m wide, 15–20 cm high).

Mix FYM + sand into topsoil.

Make shallow lines 8–10 cm apart.

Sow seeds 1–1.5 cm deep, cover with fine soil + compost.

Mulch with straw/grass till germination.

5. Germination

Seeds sprout in 7–10 days (faster in warm weather).

6. Nursery Care

Water lightly with a rose can.

Provide shade net in hot season.

Spray fungicide if damping-off appears.

Seedlings ready in 30–35 days (12–15 cm tall, 4–5 true leaves).

7. Transplanting

Transplant healthy seedlings into the main field.

Spacing:

Normal varieties: 60 × 45 cm

Spreading varieties: 75 × 60 cm

Planting depth: only roots should be covered, avoid deep planting.

8. Watering

Irrigate immediately after transplanting.

Water at 7–10 day intervals depending on soil and season.

Avoid waterlogging → causes wilt.

9. Harvest

First harvest: 65–80 days after transplanting (depends on variety).

Pick fruits when they are shiny, tender, and firm.

Continue harvesting every 7–10 days for 2–3 months.