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

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24 May 12, Mandy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am trying to grow a lebanese eggplant. The plant was completely healthy two three days ago. Then suddenly one of its branches started wilting and now the whole plant looks wilted. Its still got fruit on it which looks fine and flowers don't look wilted at all but the whole plant seems to be dying down. what could be the problem. Could someone please help.
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17 Jan 13, Felicity (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mandy - did you ever find a solution - because you are describing exactly what is happening to my eggplants!!
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16 May 12, Janelle Coppel (Australia - temperate climate)
What months/seasons is the eggplant at its best quality
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06 May 12, Mick Houareau (Australia - temperate climate)
what causes some of my fruit to turn a light brown colour. about half the crop is affected.
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30 Mar 12, Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
Our Lebanese eggplants fruited prolifically this year. However many of them, instead of turning purple have gone a yellowish brown. The fruits feel firm, so they're not rotting. Are they safe for eating? Thank you. Scotty
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02 Mar 12, Amboise (Australia - temperate climate)
Have plenty of fruit on my lebanese eggplant bush but after the first deep purple fruit, all are now a dirty yellow colour. Is this because of too much rain or is there another reason ?
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27 Apr 13, Janelle (Australia - temperate climate)
I have had the same thing happen, I can only think it is some inconsistancy with temp or rains. It affected some and not others and I think for memory it wasnt all the fruit on the plant, only some.
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28 Feb 12, Erin (Australia - temperate climate)
How do i know when my eggplant is ripe? - i have a couple of bushes that are producing fruit however when they start they are glossy black then seem to lose thier colour, i have harvested a couple and theya re still a little green on the inside - this seems oppocite from what i have seen in the supermarket.
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23 Feb 12, Savithri (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, After so many attempts, I managed to grow eggplant(Lebanese) this year and was rewarded with quite a good crop. My problem is, the skins get eaten by some kind of pest and they look awful. Would anyone know what it could be? Thanks in advance - Savithri
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19 Mar 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look for snails
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Showing 241 - 250 of 351 comments
See comments for all plants

I have two Asian eggplant bushes which look like they are coming to an end in terms of producing fruit. Is there any chance I could prune these back and see if they regrow next spring? Also, what to do about the nasty grubs that get in and make tunnels, along with lots of black stuff. Sometimes you don't even know they are there till you cut the eggplant open.

- Heidi

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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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