Start eggplant seeds with tomatoes or with peppers?

[zipcode]

As you all know, peppers grow insanely slow when they are small, so me and probably most start them earlier then tomatoes (me about 1 month).
This is the first time I'll try an eggplant. When should I plant the seeds? Also, what size should I expect the plants to grow?

[Fred Hempel]

With Peppers

[Andrey_BY]

or even a week before peppers...
Size of eggplant can be different - from compacr 30cm to really high and wide depending on variety and grwing conditions.

[Father'sDaughter]

Another vote for with peppers. I started mine this past weekend.


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[Ann123]

I think we have a similar climate. Here peppers and eggplants are usually sown by the end of January to plant out mid May.
I would start them now.

[FourOaks]

Well dang. Now I feel behind.

[clkeiper]

Originally Posted by FourOaks

Well dang. Now I feel behind.

nah, just get started or else go buy them already started unless you have a special variety you were going to grow. I generally don't spend time starting eggplant as it is slow and takes a lot of time. I go buy plants. I plant two in the garden.and even most of those go to waste I am afraid to confess. and I give away the other two plants.

[FourOaks]

Originally Posted by clkeiper

nah, just get started or else go buy them already started unless you have a special variety you were going to grow. I generally don't spend time starting eggplant as it is slow and takes a lot of time. I go buy plants. I plant two in the garden.and even most of those go to waste I am afraid to confess. and I give away the other two plants.

Shooting Stars is the variety. My plan is to sell. So...

[zipcode]

gosh darnoodley, I need to start asap then.
Thanks.

[Labradors2]

Oh my goodness Carolyn K., it sounds as if you're not too keen on eggplant.

I always (mistakenly) start mine with my tomatoes so no wonder they take so long to mature, but when they do, I love to make eggplant lasagna, and dehydrate them to use in all my soups and stews during the colder months .

I plant at least 16 plants of various varieties.

This year I will start them (and the peppers) earlier .

Linda

[clkeiper]

I am not really a disliker of it nor an avid eater of it... I grow to sell at a farm stand and at farmers markets. I just don't have much time for cooking/experimenting the Summer.. I just don't sell much of it. few people LOVE it and the rest pass it up not knowing what to do with it, I think.

[mensplace]

This will be my first year with eggplants.

I've been inspired by my studies of middle eastern cooking. It appears that they are a staple there, especially in Greece. That means I will be growing some pepper varieties for cooking alongside them in many dishes if I can find the right seeds. Looks like the Fairytale eggplant and Shishoto peppers would be a good match.

Other suggestions?

I'm planting my tomato seed today, but we have plenty of time here.

[zipcode]

Originally Posted by clkeiper

few people LOVE it and the rest pass it up not knowing what to do with it, I think.

Yeah, that seems to be a problem in places that don't really have a tradition in using these. There are ways to utilize them that make them really flavorful, it usually involves some sort of grilling or burning though, or at the least frying.
Imo, the ultimate way to use it is the so called salad, which involves burning the fruit on open fire, skin it, make a paste from the rest and inflate it with a good amount of oil (also add a tad of fine chopped onion or garlic, varies by region). I am the opposite of a vegetarian and still think this is one of the best foods ever. Goes great with tomatoes also. The use of high heat, preferably open fire is a must, the skin must crack in the process and let the steam go out for optimal results.

[FourOaks]

Originally Posted by ibraash

My eggplants were started the same day as the peppers, and they are doing way better than the peppers. The peppers are still in their firs sets of leaves, and the leaves are curled. Anybody knows what is happening to them??

I wouldnt really worry. They will most likely grow out of it.

Originally Posted by zipcode

Yeah, that seems to be a problem in places that don't really have a tradition in using these. There are ways to utilize them that make them really flavorful, it usually involves some sort of grilling or burning though, or at the least frying.
Imo, the ultimate way to use it is the so called salad, which involves burning the fruit on open fire, skin it, make a paste from the rest and inflate it with a good amount of oil (also add a tad of fine chopped onion or garlic, varies by region). I am the opposite of a vegetarian and still think this is one of the best foods ever. Goes great with tomatoes also. The use of high heat, preferably open fire is a must, the skin must crack in the process and let the steam go out for optimal results.

Well that sounds mighty dang tasty.

[ibraash]

Thank you for your reply.. I really hope they will grow out of it. Will keep you posted..

Originally Posted by FourOaks

I wouldnt really worry. They will most likely grow out of it.



Well that sounds mighty dang tasty.