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

15 Apr 09, ray (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My six eggplant have been cropping since october and are going stronger than ever, they over 2 meters height. Each plant has delevered in excess of 15-20 fruit each. They are in a new garden bed that was based on well rotted horse manure. I have sprayed carbaryl twice in the peak of summer as the friut got attacked by a white grub. i sprayed mancozeb once after the leaves were looking sad. i plan to keep them going over the winter for a second season.
13 Apr 09, Hazel Taylor (Australia - temperate climate)
My eggplants have grown well but the later fruit have maggots in them. They make long black tunnels and taint the flesh. This is the first year this has been a real problem. Any tips?
07 Apr 09, Diana (Australia - temperate climate)
Mine are growing wildly and happily and profusely in a no-dig garden of lucerne hay, manure, compost and wheat hay...the only thing is that they keep getting infested with grubs :o( I'm not sure what kind, just squishy white maggoty-looking grubs. Any tips on managing these pests?
06 Apr 09, Wendy (Australia - temperate climate)
Egg plants are very hungry for Nitrogen. Mine are fed abundantly, mostly with horse manure and compost and some chook manure. I have at least 10 good size fruit per plant. However they do not seem to fully ripen, always a little greenish just under skin when cut. They still taste fine but I am told they are much richer in taste if fully ripe. any clues??
05 Apr 09, (Australia - temperate climate)
I too have a problem with the Aubergine not going dark, actually is yellow sometimes the growth is stunted. My soil type is almost neutral.
31 Mar 09, marina (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks David. I suspected too much water could be a culprit and I'm going to do the potash thing. Happy eggplanting!
30 Mar 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Marina: I was having the same problem (West Sydney). I finally solved it by watering every other day and 1 application of a handful of potash. 2 plants have so far given 5 with 5 more fruit growing and 4 more flowers
28 Mar 09, marina (Australia - temperate climate)
It's late March. My purple egg plants have lots of blossoms but most fall. Very few carry to fruit? Any ideas on why this is so?
22 Mar 09, Kim (Australia - temperate climate)
Same comment as Greg, I'm in Adelaide and the longer I leave the fruit on the tree the paler they seem to become. Is it still okay to eat?
13 Mar 09, Alex (Australia - temperate climate)
I think I made the mistake of only planting a single Eggplant seedling. It seems to be growing very very slowly (if at all). Are there any tips on having them flower and fruit. It is currently planted in ground, facing north and getting full sun.
Showing 321 - 330 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

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.