Growing Eggplant: Heat-Loving Annuals for Flavorful Fruit

Eggplants (aubergines) are short-lived perennials grown as annuals. Vary in fruit size, shape, color. Tropical/subtropical—need high temperatures. Related to tomatoes, potatoes, peppers.

Planting Eggplant

• Start indoors 2 months before soil warms, or buy nursery transplants just before planting.
• Set 3–4 inch seedlings 24–30 inches apart in well-prepared beds.
• Pinch terminal growing points for bushier plants.

Care

• Stake plants >24 inches tall.
• Water well, apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks during growing season.
• For larger fruits, restrict to 5–6 per plant.

Pests and Diseases

• Aphids
• Spider Mites
• Tomato Hornworms
• Downy and Powdery Mildew
• Fruit may not ripen properly due to cold, pests, or infertile soil.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest 16–24 weeks after sowing when skin shiny and unwrinkled.
• Cut close to stem, leave ~1 inch attached.
• Store up to 2 weeks in humid conditions ≥50°F.

Recommended Varieties

• ‘Black Beauty’
• ‘Easter Egg’
• ‘Little Fingers’

Wit & Wisdom

Historically, women in the Orient used black dye from dark purple eggplant to stain teeth gunmetal gray.