When to Plant Eggplant
Eggplant is sensitive to cold (and extreme heat). It grows best where day temperatures are between 80° and 90°F and night temperatures between 70° and 80°F. Eggplant is best started indoors (or on a patio if it's warm enough) 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting into the garden. Do not set eggplants out until daytime temperatures are in the 70° F range.
Starting Eggplant from Seed
I recommend soaking your seeds in water for up to 24 hours. This can increase the amount of seeds that germinate and how quickly they sprout. Use organic potting soil if you are seed-starting indoors or in small containers to be transplanted outside. Sow eggplant seed ¼ to ½ inch deep spaced 4 to 5 inches apart. Most eggplant seeds germinate in 6-12 days.
How to Plant Eggplant
Thin plants to 6 inches apart if the weather does not allow transplanting before plants grow 5 to 6 inches tall. Set eggplants into the garden 18 to 24 inches apart. Space rows 24 to 36 inches apart.Tips for Growing Eggplant
Do not over water or allow the soil to dry out. Once the soil has warmed, mulch around eggplants to retain soil moisture and an even growing temperature. Eggplants are heavy feeders prepare planting beds with aged compost and side dress eggplants with compost tea every 2 or 3 weeks during until the fruit has set.
Eggplant is easily grown in containers. Plants will grow in pots at least 12 inches across and as deep. Choose a smaller growing variety.
Eggplant is considered a "heavy feeder" so it is a good idea to add homemade compost and/or organic soil amendments to your garden prior to planting. One option is to feed with Organic Alfalfa Meal Tea.
Eggplant is considered a "heavy feeder" so it is a good idea to add homemade compost and/or organic soil amendments to your garden prior to planting. One option is to feed with Organic Alfalfa Meal Tea.
Companion Planting for Eggplants
Plant eggplant with amaranth, beans, peas, spinach, tarragon, thyme and marigold. Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family and does well with peppers as they like the same growing conditions.
How to prepare those Eggplants
I like to prepare eggplant by slicing thin rounds, grilling lightly on either side, drizzled with olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper. It's SO EASY!!
Sign up for our E-Newsletter
6 comments
I have 3 eggplants that are growing very well very large but will not produce fruit ???
need help
I appreciate the thoroughness of the instructions for growing eggplant and am so happy that you also included recipes! Thank you so much!
Hi Mary, I live at n Puerto Rico, a tropical Island where it’s summer everyday day of the year. The humidity is high most of the time, and rainy season is in the fall, between November and April. When will it be best to start planting my eggplant seeds? Can you help me with please??
Thank you very much!! I am so glad to have found you.
You are so great
I have pinned, shared on Google+ and Facebook. Good post.