Growing Eggplant, also Aubergine

Solanum sp. : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

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

(Best months for growing Eggplant in USA - Zone 5a 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 75°F and 90°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 24 - 30 inches 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

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21 Aug 11, Gayle Bryan (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I see that you recommend planting eggplant in the spring. Before I found this website, I was using UF's recommendations which supported planting eggplant in the fall. Will eggplant planted in the fall produce much fruit?
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The little beetles are flea beetles. Soil born and emerge as the weather warms up and very difficult to control especially organically. I use pyganic and this season I will try Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (vectobac) in the soil to try control the larvae when they hatch. It is expensive and a bulk buy however there is an online hydro shop selling in smaller batches. There is also the powdered form. Neem oil should work however I am hopeless at remembering to spray every 10 days. They are usually around in the warmer months and love the Solanaceae family. I also bag my flowers as they can wreck them overnight.

- Tim

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