Why do eggplant flowers drop without producing fruit?

Nothing is worse for a container gardener than to see what could become a flower shrivel up and drop! This is a common occurrence associated with specific environmental stresses that prevent fruit from setting. I've saved many plants that have encountered this problem on my urban balcony over the past eight seasons. Once we identify the causes, the potential loss of flower petals will result in a plentiful harvest of fruits.

Inconsistent watering is the number one cause of flower drop. Container-grown plants require consistently moist soil, especially during the flowering period. Drought stress can trigger flower abortion as a survival mechanism. I provide moisture with self-watering pots and daily checks during hot weather.

Extreme temperatures have a direct effect on flower retention. Below 70°F, pollen is not formed correctly, and above 90°F, it becomes somewhat sterile. I use a shade cloth cover during the afternoon heat waves. For cold nights, I try to use portable greenhouses. This keeps the ideal 70-85°F temperature range for fruit set.

In a container garden, poor pollination may not be obvious. Eggplant flowers are hermaphroditic, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs, but require vibrational pollen transfer. I gently shake the plants daily or use the buzzing head of an electric toothbrush to brush the flower stems. This mimics the vibration created by bees to help with pollination problems.

Put the tips into practice when you see the first signs of flower drop. What will we get? Consistent fruit production from your plants. Begin daily monitoring of your container eggplants when they are flowering. Join other gardeners at GardenConnect and share your stories about the miraculous transformations in your harvests.

Read the full article: How to Grow Eggplant in Containers