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 24°C and 32°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 60 - 75 cm 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

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07 Aug 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
Look at the top of this page and read it and take notice of what it says. You are temperate zone - plant seeds Aug to Sept - transplant from Oct to Jan. It needs soil temp of 24-32 to germinate. My soil temp(Bundaberg) is presently 18 degree - so I shouldn't be even trying to germinate eggplant for another 6 weeks - I'm sub tropical. IT IS a summer crop - NOT a winter crop. When they grown the right time of the year, the fruit will be purple right from when they start forming.
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20 Jul 19, Noel (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi,I’m from Melbourne in the northern suburbs. I have about 5 eggplant plate 2 different varieties. We had a great season. Some plants are still having fruits. It’s middle of July, temps drop to about 2c in early mornings. Is it better to uproot plants and start new this season or trim back and let them re grow this season..? Trying to plan my veggie garden to start planting in September. Any advise is appreciated. Thanks.
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22 Jul 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the article above. Temperate - treat it as an annual. Grow it in a new position is my suggestion - think of the sun and the shade it will create - other plants.
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17 Jun 19, joe graham (Australia - temperate climate)
just a question my egg plant is still producing fruit. i live an hour north of Sydney. its the middle of June.its flowering like crazy and has about 10 on it ranging in size from tennis ball size to large grape fruit size.we are having mild sunny days and very cool nights down to 6deg is this normal or is climate change a factor in why its doing this. thanks for any reply or advice.
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18 Jun 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Climate is 30 years of weather for a particular area. Climate does not change from year to year. Year to year is variable temperature change. Both your plants eggplant and zucchini are warm/hot weather crops so if you are still having warm days then they would still produce as long as they have sufficient nutrient.
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28 Jun 19, joe graham (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks for your reply. I have learned something new today
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04 May 19, Jan (Australia - temperate climate)
My eggplant is being attacked. Small hole but when you cut them they have black spots all throughout and then you see a light coloured grub. Help please.
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12 Apr 19, Denise Brady (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
For bugs on Egg Plants I always use Neem oil spray, works really well.
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20 Feb 19, Lachie (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, if I plant eggplant seed now will it fruit in time before winter?have I missed my window?
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22 Feb 19, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Egg plant like warm weather -so judge that in your area - probably too late by this guide.
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Showing 91 - 100 of 346 comments
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i read that fungus gnat are mainly on indoor plants. Once seeds have germinated I find it best to put them out in the sun a bit. Some sun, some shade during the day. The amount of each will depend on how hot or cold it is during the day. Google fungus gnats and read the article about them on The Farmers Almanac

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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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