The Fairytale eggplant is a fascinating variety, and I was eager to see how it would perform in the AeroGarden Farm 12XL. In this article, I’ll share my results, the growth timeline, and the technical specifics of this successful indoor harvest.
Setting Up
I began by preparing the reservoir. I filled the tank with standard tap water and let it sit for 24 hours to dechlorinate. Using my Aqua Master P50 Pro pH meter, I measured the initial pH at 7.5–8.0. I used pH-Down to bring the level to a steady 5.9.
For nutrition, I used the Flora Series fertilizers at a concentration of 3 ml of each component (Gro, Micro, Bloom) per gallon of water. This resulted in an initial EC of 1.3 mS/cm, which is an ideal starting point.
Planting
I used high-quality seeds from a reputable online vendor. Instead of the original AeroGarden pods, I used generic replacement grow sponges. I planted two Fairytale eggplants in the Farm 12XL, placing two seeds in each sponge to ensure success. I positioned the pods as far apart as possible to allow the canopy room to spread. I capped them with grow domes to maintain humidity and accelerate germination.
Environment:
- Lighting: 16 hours on / 8 hours off. I kept the 60W LED panel at its lowest position initially to maximize intensity.
- Aeration: I installed an air stone in the tank connected to an external air pump. I set a timer for the pump to run for 15 minutes every hour.
Read also: The Definitive Guide to pH Management in Hydroponics
The Early Days
On the eighth day, the first seed sprouted; within ten days, all four seeds had germinated. A week later, I thinned the seedlings, removing the weaker one from each pod to leave one strong plant per side. After thinning, I boosted the nutrients, raising the EC to 1.9 mS/cm.
The growth was explosive. By Day 42, the plants had begun to bloom. While eggplants are self-pollinating, I assisted the process by gently touching the tip of each flower with a cotton swab. A small fan positioned nearby also helped circulate air and distribute pollen.
By Day 56, the first fruits reached about an inch in length. As the plants continued to bloom and set fruit, I increased the fertilizer dose, bringing the EC to 2.5 mS/cm to support the heavy feeding requirements of the fruiting stage.
Read also: Growing Crisp Butterhead Lettuce with the Kratky Method
Pruning and Maintenance
As the fruit load increased, the branches began to sag. I installed a trellis system to keep the plants upright and prevent them from resting on the grow deck.
I also performed routine maintenance by removing the lower “sun leaves.” These leaves were receiving minimal light and beginning to yellow; removing them improved airflow and redirected energy toward fruit production.
Growth Maintenance Notes:
- Water Consumption: At their peak, the plants were incredibly thirsty. I had to top off the reservoir every other day.
- Root Health: Thanks to the air stone, I didn’t encounter any root rot. I never did a full water change, only topping off and adjusting nutrients.
- Airflow: Constant air circulation from a room fan prevented fungal issues and kept the leaves healthy.
Read also: Hydroponic Mistakes That Cost Me My Harvest
Harvesting
I grew these plants for a total of 75 days before the final major harvest. In total, I harvested 42 fruits over the life of the plant, with an average length of 3-4 inches.
On Day 75, I picked the largest single batch—32 fruits—weighing in at just over 3 pounds total. The fruits were glossy, firm, and perfect for cooking.
Costs vs. Results
|
Item |
Quantity |
Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Electricity |
128 kWh |
$21.70 |
|
Grow Sponges |
2 Pieces |
$0.40 |
|
Nutrients |
150 ml |
$1.50 |
|
Water, pH Down, etc. |
Misc. |
$1.00 |
|
Total Cost |
$24.60 |
I produced 3 pounds of fresh, organic eggplant for approximately $8.20 per pound. Considering the quality of the harvest and the enjoyment of the process, I consider this a highly successful project.
Please share your thoughts in the comments on growing Fairytale eggplants using indoor hydroponics.
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