CULTURE OF EGG PLANT 223 



Growing the Plants. Egg plants can be easily grown from 

 seed by the use of seed boxes, with bottom heat or in an ordinary 

 hot-bed, all of which are described in the chapter on 'propagation. 

 The seed should be covered about half an inch. Extra regard must 

 be had for maintaining a uniform and rather high temperature for 

 the starting and early growth of the seedlings. Transplanting the 

 seedlings, into other seed-beds or cold frames, twice before planting 

 out renders them more stocky. Planting out should only be done 

 when the soil is warm and in good moist condition, for it is necessary 

 that the seedlings should quickly take hold and proceed vigorously 

 afterwards. Plants may be grown from three to four feet apart 

 each way. 



After Treatment. The best of cultivation must be given to 

 prevent any check or setback in the growth of the plants. Irriga- 

 tion must be used as necessary to advance this result. It is desirable 

 that the plant should be prevented from setting too many fruits, and 

 pinching off the terminals to prevent too great running out is often 

 advisable. It is also desirable to dispose the fruits so they do not 

 enlarge upon each other. 



Varieties. The New York Improved Purple is the favorite 

 variety and is chiefly grown. Black Beauty, a deep purple, a little 

 earlier but usually not quite so large is also popular. Other sorts, 

 though much less popular, are the Early Long Purple and the Black 

 Pekin. The White Pearl is the best of the whites which are, how- 

 ever, in less demand. The Tree Egg Plant is hardy, upright and 

 escapes some ills of lower growing varieties in bad weather. 



