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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26 Jan 19, Christine Cain (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello, my egg plant plants are very healthy, lots of flowers, however the flowers die before the fruit develops. What causes that to happen? Thanks for your advice.
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28 Jan 19, peter cranston (Australia - temperate climate)
lack of pollination. Egg plants self, but at some times (weather ?) need some help. Take an cotton bud, gather pollen (yellow) and apply to stigma (single central erect part). Watch any utube on search 'pollinate egg plants'.
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13 Jan 19, Sue (Australia - temperate climate)
They’re smaller than a ladybird. Blackish. They put tiny holes in leaves. Sometimes there’s almost no leaf left and the plant can die.
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13 Jan 19, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mine looked like a half sized bee.
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31 Dec 18, Sue (Australia - temperate climate)
Any ideas how to get rid of a little insect on eggplants leaves. We think it’s hibiscus beetle. Sue
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05 Jan 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are they eating the leaves? If a grub find a spray from a nursery or look up internet for an organic spray. I had a weird little grub eat my egg plant leaves- I used a spray from the Men's Shed - don't know it name - used for cucumber fly.
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11 Jan 19, Sue brumby (Australia - temperate climate)
Theyre beetle like insects and make tiny holes in the leaf. Sometimes there’s almost no leaf left. The plant looks very sick and can die
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21 Jan 19, Sharen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Sue, I’ve had a similar problem. Have you tried soapy water? 1 tblsp dish washing liquid to 5 litres water or look up a recipe for chilli and garlic spray. I also noticed leaf hoppers around at the same time. I use the same spray. Good luck.
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30 Oct 18, Kym H (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I only planted my eggplant tree about a month ago it is less than 30cm tall and is already growing fruit should I cut off the early fruit until the tree gets established
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30 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sounds like you have poor soil - give it some fertiliser. Generally a plant goes to seed if it is under stress - lack of water fertiliser etc.
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Showing 101 - 110 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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