Eggplants—also known as aubergines or brinjals—are warm-weather vegetables that are harvested in mid- to late summer. Eggplant tastes best when harvested young. See more about growing and harvesting these lovely deep purple vegetables—one of our favorites on the grill!
Family | Solanaceae |
Growing zones | N/A |
Growing season(s) | warm weather |
Spacing | 18 to 24 inches |
Start indoors or direct sow | start indoors or purchase transplants |
Indoor sowing date | 8 to 12 weeks before transplant (6 to 10 weeks before average last frost) |
Earliest outdoor planting | 3 weeks before average last frost |
Soil temperature | 75° to 90° |
Fall planting | 16 weeks before average first frost (for warmer climates only) |
Sun needs | 8+ hours |
Water needs | moderate |
Harvest category | all season |
Preparation Tip: | If frost threatens and your eggplants only have small fruit, pick them for a delicious side dish of baby eggplant. |
Snapshot | Heat is the name of the game in growing eggplant. It thrives in southern gardens, but northern gardeners can enjoy this gorgeous vegetable with a few extra measures. If you live in an area with shorter summers, get a head start by starting seeds indoors, and plant them in raised beds or containers where soil warms up quickly. |
Starting | If you’re starting seeds indoors, ensure the soil is warm. Use a seedling heat mat (helpful with peppers, too), or place the seed tray on a clothes dryer or refrigerator. Transfer growing seedlings to larger pots as necessary until the weather has stabilized and is consistently warm outside for transplant. When hardened off, plant eggplants 18 to 24 inches apart. |
Growing | Although not required, eggplants can benefit from trellising to keep fruit off the ground. A simple tomato cage works well. Keep the ground evenly watered and mulch well, because the eggplant’s root system is shallow. Avoid using a hoe to weed around the plant, as this could damage the root system. |
Harvesting and Storing | Eggplants, unlike other fruiting vegetables, can be picked at various sizes. Young eggplants can be harvested at one-third of their mature size; just make sure to harvest them when the skin is still shiny. Cut the fruits off at the stem; don’t yank or twist them because this could damage the plant. Store eggplants in the refrigerator or in a location at 40° to 50°, which is ideal. |
Common Problem | Flea beetles are typically the eggplant’s worst pest, preying especially on young plants. Cover transplants with a floating row cover and remove it when flowering begins. |
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