How to Grow a Jilo Brazilian Eggplant in Your Garden
Discover the vibrant and flavorful Jilo Brazilian eggplant, a variety that promises to bring color and taste to your garden. While its name indicates its popularity in Brazil, this fascinating fruit can thrive in various regions worldwide when provided with suitable conditions. Interestingly, the tomato and the eggplant share a relation to the jilo fruit, which displays a striking green color. Previously believed to be a distinct species, Solanum gilo has now been identified as a member of the Solanum aethiopicum group through recent research.
Jilo, also referred to as African eggplant, red eggplant, bitter tomato, mimic tomato, garden egg, and Ethiopian nightshade, boasts an array of names that reflect its cultural significance and diverse usage across different regions.
This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the knowledge necessary for successfully growing Jilo Brazilian eggplant, ensuring you can relish its delicious fruits right in your own garden.
Before we delve into the cultivation techniques, let’s explore the distinctive taste that sets Jilo apart. With a flavor that is both sweet and pungent, Jilo offers a unique experience that is challenging to put into words. Its taste evokes hints of cabbage, creating a captivating and memorable culinary sensation.
Quick steps to grow a Jilo Brazilian eggplant
Choose a sunny location. Jilo eggplants thrive in full sun with well-draining soil and a pH of 5.5 to 5.8
Start seeds indoors. Start the seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Fill pots or seed trays with seed starting mix, and plant the seeds
Transplant seedlings. After the last frost date, transplant the seedlings to the garden. Space the plants 18-24 inches apart
Water regularly. Jilo eggplants need regular watering throughout the growing season. Supply them with sufficient water, and they will produce up to 12 lbs/plant over a 12-week harvest period
Fertilize. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks
Harvest. Harvest the fruit when it is fully ripe. Seeds can be collected from fully ripe fruit and then allowed to dry in a cool, dark area
Jilo eggplants grow best when daytime temperatures are between 75 and 95 degrees F (25-35 C). It takes about 70-80 days for the eggplants to mature.
Location and Climate
The first step in growing a successful crop of Jilo is finding the right location for them. This variety prefers warm, humid climates with temperatures that stay between 70-80°F. It also needs full sun exposure, so make sure it gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you’re growing indoors, place it near a south-facing window or use artificial lighting.
Soil and Fertilizer
As far as soil goes, Jilo Brazilian eggplants prefer well draining soils that are rich in organic matter. You should mix in some compost or other organic material into the soil before planting your seedlings to give them a nutrient boost. As for fertilizer, use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season to keep your plants healthy and producing fruit.
Planting and Care
Once you’ve found the perfect spot for your Jilo, it’s time to get them planted!
Start the seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Fill pots or seed trays with seed starting mix, and plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep. Water the soil and keep it moist, but not soggy.
Plant two or three seeds per pot or cell (if starting indoors) at least 4 inches apart from each other, then water thoroughly after planting. Once seedlings emerge (3-4 weeks), thin out any weaker or extra seedlings so there’s only one per pot/cell left standing; this will ensure they have enough room to grow without competing for resources with their siblings. Water regularly throughout the growing season and provide support if needed using stakes or cages as they can get quite bushy.
Pests
Protect the plants from pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for common eggplant pests such as flea beetles and aphids, and take steps to control them if necessary.
Harvest
Harvest when fruits are firm and glossy, 6-8 inches long and firm to the touch. Cut the fruit from the plant with a sharp knife, being careful not to damage the plant. Harvesting on a regular basis will encourage more production. Expect they fruits to be ready usually within 70 – 80 days from planting depending on growing conditions.
Growing a Jilo Brazilian eggplant isn’t difficult, as long as you have access to the right climate and soil conditions! With just a little bit of care and attention you can enjoy these unique fruits in your own garden this season. All you need is plenty of sun exposure, warm temperatures, well draining soil rich in organic matter, regular watering, and occasional fertilizing and before long you’ll have bushels of delicious fruits ready for harvesting.
