Great…!! Grafting Strawberry With Eggplant To Get Super Fruit
In the world of gardening, farmers and plant lovers are always searching for new ways to create stronger, faster-growing, and more productive plants. One of the most fascinating modern techniques is grafting — the process of joining two different plants so they grow as one. Among the most unique experiments that has gained attention recently is grafting strawberry with eggplant. This creative idea may sound unusual, but many gardeners believe it can produce what’s called a “super fruit” — a plant that combines the strength and fruiting ability of eggplant with the sweet and juicy flavor of strawberry.
This article will guide you through the full process, from understanding the science behind grafting to step-by-step instructions and the benefits of this unique combination.
Understanding Grafting: How It Works
Grafting is a horticultural method where the top part (called the scion) of one plant is joined with the root part (called the rootstock) of another. When done correctly, these two plants unite and grow as one organism. The scion provides the fruiting characteristics, while the rootstock gives strength, disease resistance, and faster growth.
In this case, the strawberry serves as the scion because we want its sweet fruit, and the eggplant acts as the rootstock because of its strong root system and ability to grow in different soils and climates.
The goal is to create a hybrid plant that grows like eggplant but produces fruit similar to strawberries — potentially giving a new kind of super fruit with both flavor and resilience.
Why Choose Strawberry and Eggplant?
Though these plants look very different, they actually share similarities. Both belong to the same plant family, Solanaceae, meaning they have similar internal structures, vascular systems, and growing habits. This makes grafting between them possible, especially when done carefully.
Here are some unique reasons this combination is interesting:
- Strong Root System: Eggplant roots are powerful and deep, helping the plant absorb nutrients and water better than strawberry roots.
- Disease Resistance: Eggplants are naturally more tolerant of soil diseases, which helps the grafted plant survive longer.
- Faster Growth: Eggplant’s fast-growing habit supports the strawberry scion, encouraging earlier fruiting.
- More Fruit in Less Time: The combination may lead to faster flower development and fruit production compared to a normal strawberry plant.
Materials Needed for Grafting
To begin this experiment, you’ll need:
- A healthy eggplant seedling (1–2 months old)
- A strong strawberry plant with healthy shoots
- A sharp grafting knife or razor blade
- Plastic grafting tape or soft rubber bands
- A clean container or small pot
- A growth medium (mix of soil and compost)
- Natural fertilizer or compost water
Make sure your tools are sterilized to prevent infection at the grafting site.
Step-by-Step Grafting Process
1. Prepare the Rootstock (Eggplant)
Select a young eggplant plant that has a thick, healthy stem about the width of a pencil. Cut off the top part of the stem, leaving about 10–15 cm above the soil. Use a clean knife to make a small vertical slit in the center of the stem about 2–3 cm deep.
2. Prepare the Scion (Strawberry)
Take a healthy shoot from your strawberry plant. Trim it so it has a short stem with 2–3 leaves. The lower part of this stem should be shaped into a wedge — this allows it to fit snugly into the slit you made in the eggplant stem.
3. Join the Two Plants
Carefully insert the strawberry wedge into the eggplant slit. Make sure the cambium layers (the green outer layers under the bark) of both plants are touching. This contact is crucial for the graft to successfully fuse.
4. Secure the Graft
Use grafting tape or soft rubber bands to hold the two stems tightly together. Do not tie too tightly — just firm enough to prevent movement.
5. Provide Proper Care
Place the grafted plant in a shaded, warm area (around 25–30°C) with moderate humidity. Keep the soil moist but not too wet. Avoid direct sunlight for the first 7–10 days.
After about 2–3 weeks, check the graft site. If the scion still looks green and new leaves are appearing, it means the graft was successful.
Encouraging Faster Growth
Once the grafted plant has healed, it’s time to promote fruiting and growth. Here’s how:
- Use organic fertilizer such as compost tea or banana peel water once every week.
- Provide indirect sunlight for the first month, then gradually move to full sunlight.
- Prune lower leaves of the eggplant stem to allow more energy to go into the grafted part.
- Support with a small stick to keep the plant upright as it grows heavier.
Within 6–8 weeks, you may notice small flowers forming on the strawberry scion. If conditions are favorable, fruiting may begin soon after.
Expected Results: The Super Fruit
When grafting is successful, the plant will show fascinating results. The base (rootstock) will look like a strong eggplant stem, while the top produces strawberry-like flowers and fruits. In some experiments, the fruits appear slightly larger, with deeper red color and stronger aroma. Some gardeners report that the fruits taste a bit more robust — a mix between strawberry sweetness and a mild earthy tone from the eggplant root influence.
The most exciting part is that this hybridized graft can produce more fruits in a shorter period due to the eggplant’s strong nutrient absorption ability. It’s also more resistant to soil disease and water stress.
Final Thoughts
Grafting strawberry with eggplant is not only an exciting scientific experiment but also a great opportunity for home gardeners to explore creative plant-growing techniques. While not every attempt will be successful on the first try, patience and proper care will reward you with a plant that represents innovation, curiosity, and the beauty of nature’s possibilities.
