Eggplant Help?

Hello,



I live in Southern California. We have a nice hot dry summer. I have planted 6 eggplants and they are now 8 weeks old. Nice big plants about a foot high with nice purple flowers, but there is still no sign of fruit. Is it too early to expect it? is something going wrong? Also please help on fertilizer and watering standards.

Eggplant Help?
nothing is wrong.after the flowers die is when fruit should show.eggplant, like squash,doesnt fully ripen until late summer/early fall.i like to use black gold/home compost.nothing beats an organic fertilizer.also a company called fox farms makes some of the best organic ferts i have ever used.stay away from miracle grow.your gonna be eating this stuff.good luck



ps.

the trick to sweet eggplant parmigiana,is to slice the eggplant very thin,preferably with a electric meat slicer.the thinner the sweeter.
Reply:Plant Requirements



Eggplants need warm soil and warm temperatures. Temperatures should remain above 68 degrees. Full sun is a must.



These heavy feeders should be planted in heavily composted soil with lots of manure, if available. Side dress frequently, especially when the plant begins to bloom.



Eggplant is fairly drought tolerant and should not be overwatered as it is susceptible to root rot. Mulching around the plant will help maintain even moisture. Watering may be increased when blooms appear.



Planting



Plant after the ground has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Seeds should be started indoors at least 8 weeks before transplanting. Place transplants in the garden slightly deeper than they were in their pot. Cold soil will shock the plant and set it back several weeks. In case of an unexpected late frost, cover young plants with hotcaps or milk jugs.



Add a tablespoon of balanced fertilizer. Eggplants don't need or like much fertilizer, so don't don't overdo it. It's a good idea to fertilize again when buds or tiny eggplants appear, but keep it light.



Eggplants are suitable for growing in large containers or tubs. Container growing will help prevent soil borne disease.
Reply:Eggplant likes hot weather and it sounds like you are doing everything right but when temperatures reach over 95 degreesF, the plant takes a break from the heat and waits for cooler weather. The pollen that is produced in the flower for fruit fertilization is very sensitive to hot temperatures and becomes ineffective, leaving the flowers unfertilized. The unfertilized flowers then drop off and no fruit is produced. They will produce fruit when the weather cools off a bit. This also happens to tomatoes, cucs, and members of the squash family.
Reply:it maybe to early, cause i have a honey dew plant and it took about 3 1/2 weeks to get fruit on it after it started to grow flowers so if its growing flowers you should be fine.

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