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 24°C and 32°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 60 - 75 cm 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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20 Feb 23, (USA - Zone 9b climate)
When they reach a good size, pick them. The longer you leave them the tougher and less flavor. Planting to harvest time is a good guide.
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05 Sep 25, Em (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I'm sure it's also dependent on the variety you are planting, but try to harvest when the skin is nice and shiny, they will taste best. When the skin starts to dull and look more matte, it's been left too long and will start to get bitter and go off from there. :)
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22 Mar 23, Kim H (USA - Zone 10a climate)
What eggplant grow best in zone 10A? Our nights get pretty chilly through July, although days can be quite warm.
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16 Oct 25, Lin (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I successfully grew purple long eggplants this summer season and harvested plenty! I am going to overwinter my plant and see what happens next spring! I also have seeds for fairy tale variety and hoping to get good harvest from those too, crossing my fingers!
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16 Feb 24, Jimmy (USA - Zone 6a climate)
The guide says for my zone, 6A to start eggplant in Feb and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Absolutely a error here. Right now we are 12 weeks out from our last frost date, May 9th. Unless you have a hot house or hoop house, do not Start seeds yet.
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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

- salen

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