Diamond and Ukrainian Beauty
 

This season I am trying Diamond and Ukrainian Beaut for the first time, in addition to Ichiban which did very well last season.

The Diamonds and UB were started from seed on Feb. 10. They were up-potted to 4 inch pots on March 4. They are now under shop lights and 3-4 inches tall (from the soil line).

My target planting out date here in Z8a is March 25 - April 8.

Q: how tall do they get and what is the recommended spacing?

Ukranian Beauty is a bushy, multi branched plant, if I remember right...Diamond is more typical in growth...I plant mine nearly as close as peppers to keep them moist and for a wind break...I would say 18" - 24" is probably good...If they end up touching when they get bigger it shouldn't cause problems for the harvest...

Jeanne

do you cage them and if so how large cage

I do not cage them, but my season is not long enough to grow huge plants....I also pick the eggplants often, and they don't get pulled down like a loaded tomato plant would...

Jeanne

Ukrainian Beauty potted up into 4 inch net pot

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3367766779_7e322d7f04_m.jpg[/IMG]

Diamond potted up into 4 inch pot

[url]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3367766751_bbd5dd51c2.jpg?v=0[/url]

Ichiban potted up into 4 inch pot

[IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3368590790_e836f6ca16.jpg?v=0[/IMG]

Nice seedlings tumbleweed. I have some decent ones here, but with the exception of my Ichiban F3 which has a fairly thick stem, the others appear too thin. I'll need to support mine after transplanting to ensure they stay upright until they get stronger. Your's look great though.

Jeff