🍆 How to Grow Brinjal (Banarshi Giant) from Seeds
Common Names:
Hindi: बैंगन (Baingan)
Tamil: கத்தரிக்காய் (Kathirikkai)
Telugu: వంకాయ (Vankaya)
Malayalam: വളുത്തൻ വാഴുതിന (Vazhuthan Vazhaka)
Kannada: ಬದನೆಕಾಯಿ (Badnekayi)
English: Brinjal / Eggplant / Aubergine
Botanical Name: Solanum melongena
Variety: Banarshi Giant – known for large, rounded purple fruits

1. 🌱 Choose the Right Season

Warm-season vegetable

Best time to sow:

• Spring–Summer: Jan–Mar

• Monsoon: Jun–Jul

• In mild climates: Aug–Sep

Ideal Temperature: 25°C–32°C
Protect young plants from frost

2. 🌾 Prepare the Soil

Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.2–7.0)

Soil Preparation:

• Mix compost or aged manure

• Add neem cake or wood ash to prevent soil pests

3. 🌿 Sow the Seeds

Seed depth: ¼–½ inch (0.6–1.2 cm)
Spacing:

• Seed trays: 1–2 seeds per cell

• Transplant spacing: 18–24 inches between plants, 2–3 feet between rows

Cover lightly with soil and mist after sowing

4. 💧 Watering

• Keep soil moist but not soggy during germination

• Water deeply once or twice a week after transplant

• Avoid wetting leaves to reduce fungal issues

5. 🌱 Germination

Time: 7–14 days
Needs warmth and indirect light
Thin out weaker seedlings early

6. 🌤️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs 6–8 hours of full sunlight

• Ideal temperature: 25–35°C

• Protect from strong winds and heavy rain during early growth

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Add compost or vermicompost every 2–3 weeks

• Use organic potassium-rich fertilizers (banana peel tea) during flowering

• Avoid excessive nitrogen – causes leaf overgrowth instead of fruiting

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Care

Common issues: Aphids, whiteflies, fruit borers, fungal spots

Prevention & Control:

• Use neem oil + mild soap spray every 10–12 days

• Remove infested leaves

• Add wood ash or turmeric at base to deter pests

9. 🍆 Harvesting

Ready in: 80–100 days from sowing

Harvest tips:

• Fruits should be firm, shiny, and deep purple

• Harvest when slightly soft to touch

• Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut – avoid twisting

Regular picking promotes more fruit production

10. ♻️ Regrow Tip

• Let a few fruits mature and dry fully on the plant

• Scoop seeds, rinse, and sun-dry

• Store in airtight container in a cool, dry place

🌟 Benefits of Brinjal (Banarshi Giant)

• High in fiber – supports digestion

• Rich in antioxidants (nasunin) – protects brain cells

• Contains vitamins B1, B6, and potassium

• Supports heart health and blood sugar control

• Versatile: ideal for curries, roasting, grilling, and stuffing