Growing Eggplant, also Aubergine

Solanum sp. : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S S           S S S S  
  T           T T T T  
P P           P P P P  

(Best months for growing Eggplant in South Africa - Humid sub-tropical 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 24°C and 32°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 60 - 75 cm 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

08 Oct 24, Robert (Australia - tropical climate)
My plants are thriving, approximately 1mtr tall. Big green bushy leaves. About how long till flowers appear & then fruit. Excitedly yours, Rob
28 Oct 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Should be soon but don't over fertilise them.
24 Sep 24, margaret (Australia - temperate climate)
My eggplant appears to be growing well, producing flowers. The eggplant forms but turns green. How can I fix this please.
22 Aug 24, KARIMA (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I have cut back my egg plants which gave us very large fruit in summer. Should I hope that it grows back or buy more seedlings. I am in Sydney. thanks
23 Aug 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
They’re perennial so yes, it should regrow if it hasn’t been damaged frost.
18 Mar 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Our aubergine never grow more than about 300mm tall and the leaves are purple if they produce fruit it is very small about size of a bantam egg. Any ideas?
05 Apr 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
try growing long skinny long eggplant...i found my packet of seeds in a Asian food shop. the brand name is( known you ), under eggplant ........i live gold coast qld and they are the best ....
25 Mar 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Ar4e you growing them in the right season and is your soil fertile.
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.
05 Feb 24, Annette James (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have 2 healthy looking plants of the large purple variety. They are producing flowers ok but no fruit. Any ideas on why this is happening?
Showing 1 - 10 of 351 comments

I want to know if you can plant Aubergines in pots and what size pot you would need, also if you can freeze them

- Wilhelmina Warrington

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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