How to Grow Eggplant: The Complete Guide to Aubergines
Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Eggplants
Eggplant is a nutrient-rich vegetable with a glossy, deep-purple skin. Harvesting it at the right time—while still young—ensures the best flavor, preventing bitterness. Once cooked, eggplant turns tender and absorbs flavors beautifully, making it ideal for grilling, roasting, and stews.
Table of Contents
About Eggplants
Eggplants (Solanum melongena), also known as aubergines or brinjals, thrive in warm climates and belong to the Nightshade family, like tomatoes and peppers. They grow best in temperatures between 70° and 85°F (21° to 30°C) and slow down in cooler conditions. These plants can reach several feet in height and produce fruit along branching stems.
Eggplants are typically started indoors two months before transplanting or purchased as 6- to 8-week-old seedlings. Raised beds with composted manure warm up quickly, promoting strong growth. Eggplants also do well in containers and can serve as ornamental border plants.
Varieties of eggplant range from the classic deep-purple type to white, pink, green, and even purple-white streaked. Shapes vary from large and round to slender Japanese types.
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How to Grow Aubergines from Seed
Best Location
Choose a sunny spot with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Eggplants prefer well-drained, sandy loam soil rich in organic matter. Enhance soil fertility by adding 1 inch of compost or well-rotted manure a week before planting. Use a balanced fertilizer (5-10-5) at a rate of 2 to 3 pounds per 100 square feet. Maintain a soil pH between 5.8 and 6.5.
When to Plant
- Seeds: Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Seeds germinate quickly at 70° to 90°F (21° to 32°C).
- Transplants: Plant outdoors only after the last frost when the soil is warm. Choose sturdy, healthy seedlings without flowers for best root development.
How to Plant
- Start seeds indoors in flats or peat pots, sowing ¼ inch deep.
- Transplant after the last frost, spacing 24 to 30 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart.
- Use black plastic mulch to retain warmth and moisture.
- Provide support with stakes or cages immediately to prevent toppling.
- Water well after planting and apply mulch to conserve moisture.
- Protect young plants from cold with row covers, removing them during the day for pollination.
How to Care for Aubergine Plants
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, watering deeply to 6 inches.
- Fertilizing: Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10) every two weeks to encourage fruit production.
- Pruning: Pinch the terminal growing points to encourage bushier growth.
- Fruit Management: Limit the plant to five or six fruits at a time for larger yields.
- Support Growth: Use stakes or cages to prevent heavy plants from bending.
- Temperature Control: Protect plants from cold (below 55°F/13°C) and extreme heat (above 95°F/35°C).
Growing in Containers
Eggplants grow well in pots with proper care:
- Use a 5-gallon container per full-size plant.
- Ensure 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
- Fertilize with 10-10-10 every 10 to 14 days once fruits form.
- Provide support with tomato cages or stakes.
- Water regularly, allowing slight drying between watering.
- Protect from cold by moving pots indoors or covering them.
Types of Eggplants
Traditional Varieties
- ‘Black Beauty’ – Classic large, rounded fruit.
- ‘Dusky’ – Pear-shaped, excellent flavor.
Unique Varieties
- ‘Casper’ – White, mild-flavored fruit.
- ‘Rosita’ – Rose-pink, sweet-flavored.
- ‘Kermit’ – Thai variety, green with white stripes.
Japanese Varieties
- ‘Ichiban’ – Slim, 10- to 12-inch fruits, heavy producer.
- ‘Little Fingers’ – Small, ideal for containers.
Ornamental Varieties
- ‘Easter Egg’ – White, decorative but not edible.
How to Harvest Aubergines
- Timeframe: Harvest 65 to 80 days after transplanting or 100 to 120 days from seed.
- When to Harvest: Pick when the skin is dark, glossy, and rebounds slightly to touch.
- Check Often: Eggplants mature quickly; check every 2 to 3 days for peak flavor.
- Japanese Varieties: Harvest when they reach finger or hot dog size.
- Method: Use pruning shears to cut the stem rather than pulling the fruit.
Storing Aubergines
- Refrigeration: Store in a cool, dry place for up to a week.
- Avoid Moisture: Keep dry to prevent mold.
- Freezing: Blanch slices before freezing to retain texture.
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Growing Aubergines: Problem Solving
Common Issues & Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage | Reduce watering, improve drainage |
| Small fruits | Poor pollination, overcrowding | Space plants properly, hand-pollinate |
| Wilting | Too much heat or lack of water | Provide shade, water regularly |
| Pests (aphids, flea beetles) | Insects feeding on leaves | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Blossom drop | Temperature stress | Use row covers in cold, shade in heat |
By following these guidelines, you can grow delicious, high-yield eggplants in your garden or containers. Happy planting!
