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 T T          
      P P              

(Best months for growing Eggplant in Australia - tropical 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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17 Jun 19, joe graham (Australia - temperate climate)
just a question my egg plant is still producing fruit. i live an hour north of Sydney. its the middle of June.its flowering like crazy and has about 10 on it ranging in size from tennis ball size to large grape fruit size.we are having mild sunny days and very cool nights down to 6deg is this normal or is climate change a factor in why its doing this. thanks for any reply or advice.
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18 Jun 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Climate is 30 years of weather for a particular area. Climate does not change from year to year. Year to year is variable temperature change. Both your plants eggplant and zucchini are warm/hot weather crops so if you are still having warm days then they would still produce as long as they have sufficient nutrient.
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28 Jun 19, joe graham (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks for your reply. I have learned something new today
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04 May 19, Jan (Australia - temperate climate)
My eggplant is being attacked. Small hole but when you cut them they have black spots all throughout and then you see a light coloured grub. Help please.
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12 Apr 19, Denise Brady (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
For bugs on Egg Plants I always use Neem oil spray, works really well.
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20 Feb 19, Lachie (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, if I plant eggplant seed now will it fruit in time before winter?have I missed my window?
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22 Feb 19, Michael (Australia - temperate climate)
Egg plant like warm weather -so judge that in your area - probably too late by this guide.
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26 Jan 19, Christine Cain (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello, my egg plant plants are very healthy, lots of flowers, however the flowers die before the fruit develops. What causes that to happen? Thanks for your advice.
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28 Jan 19, peter cranston (Australia - temperate climate)
lack of pollination. Egg plants self, but at some times (weather ?) need some help. Take an cotton bud, gather pollen (yellow) and apply to stigma (single central erect part). Watch any utube on search 'pollinate egg plants'.
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13 Jan 19, Sue (Australia - temperate climate)
They’re smaller than a ladybird. Blackish. They put tiny holes in leaves. Sometimes there’s almost no leaf left and the plant can die.
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Showing 61 - 70 of 269 comments
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I've got three Asian eggplants growing, all from the same source, one in the ground and the other two in a raised garden bed. They all get equal treatment re fertiliser and watering but the two in the raised bed produce smaller fruit that is a very pale purple and tougher while the other has long much bigger deep purple fruit that's perfect. What could the likely cause be? pH or something else?

- Phil Morton

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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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