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Aubergine Grafted Bonica F1 Plants

Solanum melongena Bonica
Aubergine, Eggplant

4,1/5
32 reviews
6 reviews
6 reviews
2 reviews
6 reviews

Despite the cold weather, I harvested 2 aubergines.

Rodolphe , 22/11/2024

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

Early, vigorous and productive variety. Its fruits are ovate, about 13 to 15 cm (5 to 6in) long and dark purple in colour. They can be consumed cooked, alone or in ratatouilles, tians, gratins, stuffed etc. This variety has good disease resistance. The Aubergine is a heat-loving plant and is grown as an annual in our latitudes. The grafted plug plants of the 'Bonica' Aubergine are planted from April to June, after the last frosts. Harvesting takes place from July to October. Grafting allows for a quicker and more abundant harvest, among other benefits.
Ease of cultivation
Beginner
Height at maturity
60 cm
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Sun
Soil moisture
Moist soil
Best planting time May
Recommended planting time April to June
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F
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Flowering time June to September
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M
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Harvest time July to October
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Description

The 'Bonica' F1 Grafted Eggplant is an early, vigorous, and productive variety. Its fruits are ovate, approximately 13 to 15 cm (5 to 6in) long, and dark purple in colour. They are consumed cooked, either alone or in ratatouille, tians, gratins, stuffed etc. This variety has good disease resistance. Eggplant is a heat-demanding plant and is grown as an annual in our latitudes. The grafted plug plants of 'Bonica' Eggplant are planted from April to June, after the last frost. Harvesting takes place from July to October. Grafting allows for a faster and more abundant harvest.

The grafting technique consists of giving a desired variety (here, 'Bonica') the root system of another specially selected variety, called the rootstock. This rootstock has excellent resistance to soil parasites and diseases, which provides extra vigour to the plant: it is then more resistant to difficult external conditions (such as cold climates) and will yield significantly more than a non-grafted plant. The fruiting of grafted plants starts earlier and lower on the main stem.

Eggplant belongs to the Solanaceae family, like tomato, bell pepper, and potato. This plant, perennial in warm countries, is grown as an annual in our climates. It has ovate, hairy leaves and produces small purple flowers from June to September. Depending on the varieties, Eggplants can be round or long and have different colours: from black-purple to white, with sometimes uniform, sometimes striped colours. A beautiful diversity to discover!

In the vegetable garden, this sun-loving vegetable needs warmth to grow. It will appreciate the presence of flowers to attract insects and promote pollination.

Harvesting: Pick the fruits using pruning shears, from August to October (or from July for early varieties). The fruits are harvested slightly before ripeness.

Storage: Eggplants should be consumed quickly and can be stored for a few days in the lower part of the refrigerator.

Gardener's tip: We recommend mulching the soil with thin successive layers of grass clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection, which keeps the soil moist, also limits weed growth. You can also opt for a mineral mulch (bricks, slate, gravel), which will help accumulate heat.

Harvest

Harvest time July to October
Type of vegetable Fruit vegetable
Vegetable colour violet
Size of vegetable Medium
Interest Flavour, Productive
Use Cooking

Plant habit

Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate normal

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green
Product reference36372

Planting and care

Planting:

Grow the plants on by transplanting the plug plants into trays or pots measuring 8 to 13 cm (3 to 5in) in diameter, filled with potting soil. Attention: When transplanting grafted plants, do not bury the graft point! Place the plants in a warm and bright location. Water regularly.

Planting in the ground should be done around mid-May or June, when the risk of frost has passed. Plant the Eggplant in full sun, in a sheltered area. It thrives in well-drained and nutrient-rich soils. Since the eggplant is a demanding vegetable, it will be necessary to add well-rotted compost in the previous autumn. In cooler regions, it is advisable to plant eggplants in a greenhouse.

Soak the root ball in water for a few moments before planting. Space the plants 50 cm (20in) apart in all directions. Dig a hole, place your plant with the graft point at ground level, then cover with fine soil. Water thoroughly.

At the beginning of the growing season, protect the plants with a mini tunnel or a cold frame to gain a few degrees.

Eggplant can also be grown in pots, provided they are placed in the sun. In this case, you can plant the plug plants directly into the pot.

Maintenance:

Regularly hoe and weed. Remove the suckers that develop at the base of the plant.

Water regularly, making sure not to wet the foliage to prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases such as mildew. Drip irrigation is well-suited.

Pruning will be necessary to promote fruit development. In July, cut the main stem above the 2nd flower. Repeat this operation on the new shoots that develop. This way, you can expect to harvest an average of 7 to 8 fruits per plant.

Diseases and pests:

Eggplant is susceptible, like tomatoes, to mildew. This is a fungal disease caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans. Mildew develops in warm and humid weather. Small spots appear, white on the undersides of the leaves and green-grey on top. To limit the risks, space the plants sufficiently and avoid watering the foliage. In terms of crop rotation, wait 4 years before growing a plant from the Solanaceae family in the same location and do not cultivate them in neighbouring rows. If necessary, spray Bordeaux mixture or preparations such as horsetail decoction or garlic tea.

Harvest can also be hindered by the Colorado potato beetle, an insect of the order Coleoptera. You will recognise it by its yellow head and its yellow and black striped body. The best solution, although a bit time-consuming, is to remove them as they appear. As a preventive measure, sow blue flax seeds between your rows of Eggplants. Sow from April to June in shallow furrows. In addition to its repellent effect against Colorado potato beetles, flax will brighten up your vegetable garden with its pretty little blue flowers.

Finally, you can protect young plants from slugs and snails by placing ash or coffee grounds nearby, to be renewed after rain.

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Cultivation

Best planting time May
Recommended planting time April to June

Care

Soil moisture Tolerant
Disease resistance Good

Intended location

Type of use Container, Vegetable garden, Greenhouse
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Soil light
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), 130
4,1/5

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