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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17 Oct 08, Jenny Joynson (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am looking for eggplant growers in Victoria and South Australia, if anyone could help me I would greatly appreciate it. Please email me at [email protected]
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03 Oct 08, salen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Trying to grow egg plant in pots, plants are healthy, lots of flowers but does not get fruit, flowers fall off what should I do, sprayed malathion - did not work applied rich potassium base fertilizer- no results potting mix is a mixture of compost, commercial potting mix and garden soil. pots have hole and watered regulary still no Fruits - testing 3 different varities - all not flowering but not fruiting. Why Wh
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02 Oct 08, (Australia - tropical climate)
I have just planted eggplant seedlings.When should I expect fruit?
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16 Jul 08, Raj (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it right time to sow the eggplant seed in Perth metro area?
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15 Jul 08, Joanne (Australia - temperate climate)
I seem to have these little grubs burrowing into and eating my fruit. you cant really see that they are there untill you chop the fruit in half. does anyone know what these are and how to get rid of them?
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13 Jul 08, Jan van (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
On the Sunshine Coast. Growing eggplant for the first time. Planted seeds early June. No frost here. Now 7"- 8" high. surrounded by silverbeet and shallots. Parsley, Rosemary and garlic Chives in same garden. Organic. Fertilize with liquid (seaweed etc ) and cow manure. Use sugar cane mulch on all gardens. Last put down in March. Any info useful.
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Thank you for this timely info. I have prepared the garden bed and have added organic material to it. Now all I need to do is find the right eggplants to sow.

- Anonymous

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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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