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
  • A seedling
  • Eggplant

A large bushy plant with attractive purple flowers. Different varieties have different colours and sizes of fruit, ranging from the 'classic' large purple to the Thai small white varieties and Brazilian red.

Has spiky stems. Wear gloves to harvest fruit as the spikes on the calyx are sharp enough to break one's skin.

In cold climates grow in heated greenhouse and reduce artificial heat during summer.

Perennial in tropical climates otherwise grown as an annual.

Needs a long season. Start under cover and plant out when frosts have finished. Some varieties with slim, long fruit such as Asian Bride produce their fruit earlier. Mulch well and keep well watered. May need staking.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Eggplant

Cut and use the same day if possible.
Slice, no need to peel, and fry in olive oil.
Brush with oil and grill or bake.
Or microwave, plain, for about 4 minutes on high.
Makes a good substitute for pasta in lasagne or moussaka.
Can be smoked over a gas ring or barbecue, cooled and peeled and used to make dips.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
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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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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17 Feb 23, Carol (USA - Zone 9b climate)
My last eggplants from last fall were tough and flavorless but right now I have at least 9! How do I know when they are ripe to pick?
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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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13 Jan 23, Lori (USA - Zone 9a climate)
What varieties of eggplant grows best in 9a?
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30 Jun 23, Ava (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I live in Texas City and this is my second time growing egg plant. Last year it was unsuccessful due to the heat and planting too late in the season. This year I’m doing really good because I planted my seeds early in the Spring. This is also my first time cooking eggplant. My husband and I are loving them.
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06 Feb 23, Gene (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Eggplant can be grown here in Florida 9b pretty much all year....at least that is what we do. We keep the same plants growing and producing all year. I would avoid the long Japanese varieties though. We have had better luck with the globe-shaped ones. I put the small plants out under some kind of protection, like a milk carton or such, until they get established. When we get the occasional cold and windy weather, mostly in Jan., I cover the plants with a light blanket, and take it off right away when the weather moderates. Otherwise, they just do fine. Bug-wise, I use insecticidal soap spray, or, Bt. The bugs damage some leaves but not the fruits, usually. Good luck.
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08 Jul 22, Bobbi Linn (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I live in zone 8b/9a in Texas, west of San Antonio. Mine die back in winter but come back in spring. I do not remove the dead stalks when they die back, I grow them outside in a raised bed, with plenty of leaf mulch. I trim back the dead stalk after new stalks emerge. Just make sure to water occasionally during winter if it is a dry winter, especially before it drops down below 35 to 40. I begin watering more often as it warms up in spring. The new shoots rise up from the root ball. Then as late spring and summer hit I water regularly. Mine get full sun until about 4 to 5 pm, then are shaded by a nearby tree. So for me, they are like my chile pequins/petins, a perennial..
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14 Nov 22, Corena Hur (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Thank you, Bobbi, this information is a great encouragement for leaving my eggplant over winter in Austin area.
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04 Jan 22, Mark J Grzywa (USA - Zone 5a climate)
What varieties grow best in N. Illinois, if any? Thanks
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