Growing Eggplant, also Aubergine

Solanum sp. : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S S                  
        T              
        P              

(Best months for growing Eggplant in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 75°F and 90°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 24 - 30 inches apart
  • Harvest in 12-15 weeks. Cut fruit with scissors or sharp knife.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beans, capsicum, lettuce, amaranth, thyme
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
12 Feb 24, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
May be no bees - try hand pollination in the mornings.
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21 Nov 23, Samuel Sehloho (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would like to know about an eggplant. seedlings, after planting them how long are they going to last on the soil?
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25 Nov 23, Anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Do mean how long will they grow - best to read the notes about growing them.
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27 Sep 23, Zorbie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My Black Beauty eggplants look to be fully grown but have green stripes/tinge on the bottom.Should I wait to see if the green colour disappears or are they ready to harvest now? I'm on the Gold Coast
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28 Sep 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Eat them - don't let them become old. Better to pick a little smaller rather than really big.
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11 Aug 23, Jock Macdonald (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How to hand pollinate egg plant
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06 Sep 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Give the bush a light shake about 9-10am.
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01 Jun 23, Julie Tasker (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Do I pull the eggplant bush up or cut back over winter?
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10 Jun 23, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I plant new seeds/seedlings each year.
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22 Mar 23, Kim H (USA - Zone 10a climate)
What eggplant grow best in zone 10A? Our nights get pretty chilly through July, although days can be quite warm.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 351 comments
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On the Sunshine Coast. Growing eggplant for the first time. Planted seeds early June. No frost here. Now 7"- 8" high. surrounded by silverbeet and shallots. Parsley, Rosemary and garlic Chives in same garden. Organic. Fertilize with liquid (seaweed etc ) and cow manure. Use sugar cane mulch on all gardens. Last put down in March. Any info useful.

- Jan van

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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