How to Grow Eggplant

A warm-season fruiting for the home garden across the warmer US.

Eggplant is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Eggplant in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the eggplant page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Black Beauty, Standard large purple fruit (Bonnie Plants)
• Ichiban, Slender, productive Asian type (Park Seed)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 60 cm (24 in) between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 8 L per plant every 2 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 40cm+.

Pests & problems

In humid regions, Verticillium wilt and Phomopsis blight can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Eggplant is usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant eggplant where you garden.

See also: Eggplant in the plant library →

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