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

11 Feb 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi ! chehade. Your problem seems to be the soil. It is I think too acidic and sticky (not porous). What you need is some Lime and Sand to nutralise the acidity and to enable it to breathe respectively. Let me know whether this has been helpful.
03 Dec 11, Tanya (Australia - temperate climate)
My young eggplant seedling leaves are turning yellow and growth has been minimal in the last month since planting. There are no obvious bugs/ pests. They receive close to a full day of sun, and are planted next to beans. Any suggestions?
02 Dec 11, Marlene (Australia - temperate climate)
Please help.My eggplants are growing tall and look healthy.No flowers.What can I use to promote fruit?I have fertilized with blue MPK and blood and bone
15 Nov 11, (Australia - temperate climate)
My trees are very healthy and produce many flowers but disappointingly no fruit seem to set. A patch of beans at close proximity thereto has cropped very well, (just as a comparison for you may also think as I did that possibly the lack of pollinators may be the cause).
13 Nov 11, Kaytee (Australia - tropical climate)
My eggplant is healthy looking and flowering very well but fruit doesn't set. I tried to pollinate them but that didn't work either. Can you help please.
04 Nov 11, Mohan (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Pru, Epsom salts is MgSO4(Magnisium sulphate). Mg is an important constituent in Chlorophyll, the green substance in leaves that is required for photosynthesis i.e. making food for the plant. One gram epsom salt in a litre of water sprayed early in the morning helps some plants to set fruit. Potash is K2SO4 and generally helps plant for flowering..
27 Sep 11, Eggplant (Australia - arid climate)
I live in the hills in Perth. I have 4 plants I wanted to move to another bed. Is this wise, will they still fruit again?
16 Sep 11, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Planted seedlings last year Oct-Nov, grew slowly, flowered but no fruit. Any ideas??
09 Oct 11, Pru (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi John, sprinkle Epsom salts in a line 10cms long about 5 cms out from the trunk, the potassium will help flowers set fruit. Worked brilliantly for me last year.
18 Nov 11, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Epsom salts is magnesium sulphate. Did you actually use this or potash (potassium sulphate)?
Showing 261 - 270 of 351 comments

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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