Eggplants appeared here in the 15th century, although in their homeland, India, they were popular long before our era. These tasty and healthy vegetables quickly gained popularity in our area. Interestingly, the first eggplants were white and yellow. But in the future, experienced breeders were able to breed not only fruits of various colors (purple, red, green, orange, dark purple, striped), but also of various forms.
Eggplants are very demanding on temperature and light conditions. Therefore, on the territory of Russia, they can grow only in the southern regions. But here, too, the breeders tried and bred varieties suitable for cold climates.
Eggplants are valued for their beneficial properties. They are deservedly considered a dietary product. Vegetables contain fiber, potassium, calcium, pectin, iron, and phosphorus. Thanks to fiber, they help remove waste and excess fluid from the body. And potassium promotes the breakdown of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels. For this they are loved and appreciated all over the world.
Indeed, not everyone is able to grow good eggplants. But, if you choose the right variety and heed the advice on growing it, then everything will definitely work out.
Let's consider a variety ideal for cold regions - "Vikar" eggplant. We will also learn how to grow them and hear the recommendations of those who have already tried this variety in practice.
Characteristics of the variety
"Vikar" is a cold-resistant variety, easily tolerates temperature changes. Suitable for growing in spring and summer.
Eggplants can be grown outdoors and in greenhouses. They will bear fruit better, of course, in greenhouses, from 5 to 7 kg per m22... The variety is early maturing, from germination of seeds to the appearance of the first fruits, it will take 100-115 days.
The mass of eggplants can be about 200 g, length - up to 20 cm. The skin is light purple, matte and smooth. The pulp is light green in color, dense in structure. There is no bitterness. The shape of the fruit is pear-shaped, slightly rounded on top. There are no thorns on the calyx, which makes harvesting much easier.
Eggplant fruits "Vikar" are used in cooking, for preservation and preparation of various dishes. Keeps well rolled up. Suitable for frying, stewing and baking in the oven. Eggplants can also be frozen. Easy to carry transportation.
As you can see, this variety has excellent characteristics. The rate of ripening and the yield of these eggplants is impressive. And the taste has not left anyone indifferent.
Growing and care
Sowing seedlings can be started already at the end of February and until mid-May. Eggplants sprout slowly, which is why they start to be planted so early.
- Before sowing, the soil should be prepared using peat and other fertilizers.
- Place the seeds in the ground 1.5 cm deep, sprinkle with soil and compact slightly.
- Cover the box with plastic wrap to keep moisture out.
- Before germination, the room temperature must be at least +25 ° C. And when the sprouts appear, you can gradually lower it to +20 ° C, but not less than +18 ° C.
You can start picking seedlings when 1-2 full-fledged leaves appear. A week before planting, the plants must be hardened.If this is not done, the sprouts simply cannot withstand direct sunlight and temperature changes from day to night. The approximate landing time is mid-May, when frosts are no longer terrible.
The distance between the seedlings should be 20-30 cm, and between the rows - 50-60 cm. After planting, the soil should be sprayed with water, since eggplants are very fond of moisture. Further care for eggplants should include regular watering, feeding and loosening the soil. It is not necessary to tie up this variety, since the bush is low and keeps its shape well.
Testimonials
Let's summarize
Eggplants are considered to be very whimsical heat-loving plants, and not everyone undertakes to grow them. But the "Vikar" eggplant variety is great for cold climates. He destroys all stereotypes, and allows you to grow delicious homemade eggplants where any other variety would not stand.
