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

06 Oct 11, (Australia - temperate climate)
Sounds like you don't have enough bees to fertilise the fruit?
08 Oct 11, Tracey (Australia - arid climate)
The problem isn't likely to be lack of pollinators as eggplants self-fertile and predominantly wind pollinated (although some cross pollination between plants can occur via insects, too). Did flowers form and then drop? Temps that are too low can affect fruit set, as can temps that are too high (as with tomatoes and capsicums). The optimal temperature window is likely to vary a little depending on the variety.
21 Aug 11, Gayle Bryan (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I see that you recommend planting eggplant in the spring. Before I found this website, I was using UF's recommendations which supported planting eggplant in the fall. Will eggplant planted in the fall produce much fruit?
11 Aug 11, ray (Australia - tropical climate)
can egg plant be frozen and used later
05 Jul 11, John Bee (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi John, Eggplant can be grown for several seasons at least, provided that they are kept healthy, properly fertilized and rejuvenated at the end of each season ready for the next one. After a major cropping they can be cut back (pruned) fairly heavily with sharp clean secateurs. You should cut off and remove all the old leaves as that helps stop future leaf diseases problems. Then give the plants a good fertilizing with a complete mixture, preferably organic, lightly dig in the fertiliser and give them a good watering. Be sure to cut off any diseased or dead or dying branches and get rid or them (don’t leave them lying around). Please remember that eggplants are frost sensitive, especially young tender growth so make sure they are protected from frosts or leave the pruning till after the last frost. Hope this helps. John Bee Master Gardener
03 Jul 11, John (Australia - temperate climate)
As this seasons eggplant has concluded can I prune and expect another crop this coming summer?
25 Jun 11, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
hi ,I have got the long skinny egg plant variety. was wondering as it is now july in sa could I cut them back and get another season out of them
11 May 11, minoli (Australia - temperate climate)
Egg plant grows well in summer....buy small plants and plant one month before the summer sets in small beds..needs good sunlight, water and potty mix is sufficient (every 2 weeks)...we had a good crop... you need 5- 7 plants for a household.
09 May 11, rachana (Australia - arid climate)
hi,i live in perth -australia...my eggplant is grown very well but the fruite didnt come yet....has anyone know in that season all fruite comes or in summer...help pls
10 May 11, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Rachana, I didn't have any luck with my eggplants this year either. I'm in Victoria. It's getting too cold here now, they're starting to fade. Hopefully next year's a better one for us both :)
Showing 271 - 280 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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