To propagate eggplant, the most common method is by taking stem cuttings from a healthy plant, typically at the end of the growing season, and rooting them in water or directly in potting mix, ensuring each cutting has several leaf nodes and removing lower leaves before planting them in a suitable container with bright, indirect light; once rooted, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before transplanting into your garden.
Key steps:
- Choose a healthy plant: Select a vigorous eggplant plant that is actively growing.
- Take cuttings: Use clean pruners to cut 4-6 inch stem sections with several leaf nodes.
- Remove lower leaves: Strip off the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
- Optional: Dip in rooting hormone: Apply a small amount of rooting hormone to the cut end for faster root development.
- Root in water: Place the cuttings in a container with fresh water and keep in a bright, indirect light location. Change the water regularly.
- Root in potting mix: Alternatively, plant the cuttings directly in a pot filled with moist seed starting mix, ensuring the soil is slightly damp but not soggy.
- Care for rooted cuttings: Once roots develop, transplant the young eggplant plants into larger pots with standard potting mix.
- Acclimate to outdoors: Before planting in the garden, gradually expose the plants to outdoor conditions over a period of time.