Eggplant Blossom Drop in Polytunnel: Pollination and Environment

Why Flowers Fall

Eggplants are self-pollinating but need vibration (wind, bees) to release pollen. In a still polytunnel, pollen stays trapped in anthers.

Hand-pollinate: Vibrate plants midday (electric toothbrush on stem) or brush flowers.
Ventilate: Open ends daily for air movement.
Shade cloth if temps > 90°F.
Consistent water: 1.5"/week, mulched.
High-P fertilizer at flowering.

All eggplant flowers are perfect (both sexes). The "button" at base is the ovary—swells if pollinated.

Search "eggplant hand pollination" for videos. Simple and effective.

Growing Vegetables: Sudden Orchid Flower Drop: Normal Cycle or Problem?; Phalaenopsis Flowers Falling at 3 Weeks: Bud Blast Causes; New Orchid Flower Drop and Orange Leaves: Cold Shock Suspected; Phalaenopsis Bowl Disaster: Drainage, Peat Moss, and Bud Blast; Sarracenia Pollination Timing: How Long Are Pistils Receptive After Pollen Drop?; Hand-Pollinating Nepenthes: Simple Technique for Flowering Pairs; Sarracenia Pollination: Two Flowers Needed, Hybrids Possible; Spaghetti Squash Flowers Falling Off? Blossom Drop Causes and Fixes; Tomato & Pepper Blossom Drop in Florida: Cold Nights & Container Fixes; Why Your Muscadine Vine Isn’t Producing Grapes: The Pollination Puzzle

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