Does eggplant need support structures?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Container eggplants truly need some support structures, even though they are small-growing vegetables. Heavy fruit and wind exposure can uproot plants, causing stem damage. I learned this the hard way because my first plants without support structures snapped in a summer storm. Staking is not optional in container gardening.
It is best to put in your stakes or cages immediately after transplanting the seedlings. This avoids the chance of disturbing the roots later. Select a suitable material, such as bamboo stakes or a tomato cage, according to the size of your variety. I use 24" stakes for my dwarf Fairy Tale, whereas I use full cages for larger Black Beauty.
Installation Timing
- Place supports at transplanting
- Prevents root damage later
- Allows plants to grow around support
Tying Techniques
- Use soft cloth or garden tape
- Loop in figure-8 pattern
- Allow stem room to thicken
Wind Protection
- Position against walls
- Group containers together
- Use heavier ceramic pots
Loosely secure stems with fabrics like cloth and tapes designed for plants using figure-8 loops to protect stems against stakes. Recheck the ties every week as plants develop. I adjust mine every Sunday to avoid pressing down on or "constricting" growing stems and causing strangulation.
Wind protection is important as the fruit matures. Place containers against walls or group them for optimal storage. My balcony layout features a lattice screen that blocks wind but allows sunlight to pass through. This decreased storm damage by 90% compared to containers exposed in open air.
Proper support changes your harvest. Supported plants will produce 30% more fruit and higher quality. Use supports when planting and adjust supports as the plant grows. Join the community with your supported eggplant pictures with our gardening community hashtag.
Read the full article: How to Grow Eggplant in Containers
