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 May 17, Giovanni (Australia - temperate climate)
Unripe eggplants will be a bit greenish inside rather than a clear cream or creamy-white. they probably could still be eaten. I worked at a community garden and a lot were harvested before they were ripe. Sorry I can't answer the other part of your question.
12 Mar 17, Jill (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My eggplants are purple but very hard. Now starting to go green and a bit striped. I picked this one and cooked - it was a little bitter. Am I leaving it too late or picking too early. Thanks jill
13 Mar 17, KS (Australia - temperate climate)
Hey Jill, did you slice and salt and rest your eggplant before cooking? this can help flavour, minimise any bitterness. Cut to thickness desired, salt and let sit in a colander for 1-2hrs, then rinse and dry (i use an old tea towel). Then cook for your recipe or just oil on a hot pan a bit more salt to bring out the flavour then cook 'til golden. hope this helps.
13 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
When eggplants are ripe they have creamy white flesh. If the flesh is greenish give them a bit more time. They will reward you well if they also have a good, even water supply. Trust this helps.
28 Jan 17, Meredith (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am growing 'classic' eggplant. The fruit are growing bigger, but look ripe. How big should I let them get before picking? Is there any sign that they are ripe?
05 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
If they are the purple variety and are fully coloured you could harvest them. Try one and if the flesh is cream they are ripe. Trust this helps.
17 Jan 17, maximus111 (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing eggplant again this year after a successful season last year. This year, I seem to be having a problem, some, though not all of the leaves are browning and curling, like they are dying which i suppose they are. I have no memory of this occurring last time. The fruit itself is fine, no problems at all. There is no overcrowding as there is only the one plant in the above ground bed, allowing it to take as much space as is needed. On occasion we give it powerfeed with seassol and sometimes osmacote vegetable granules. We have a watering system that is placed at the base of the plant as we discovered last year they're not too keen on being sprayed so much from above and get watered in the morning for 10 mins and 15 mins in the late afternoon. Does anyone have any idea as to what is wrong with my plant and what I need to do ?
18 Jan 17, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have tyhe sam problem here in SE qld. I would love ideas from others about dying eggplant. THanks.
04 Jan 17, Zak (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in sydney can we grow eggplant from the seed now in January month, also pls advise best time to grow like which months in sydney.
21 Sep 16, kitty luong (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. I wonder can I growth eggplant in a container?. If so how big is the container have to be?. Thank
Showing 101 - 110 of 266 comments

To answer Ray & Joanne about grubs. They are probably Fruit Fly. This pest can destroy huge crops of fruit and fruiting vegetables.

- LORRAINE

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