If your summer evenings revolve around the grill, eggplants are a must-have addition to your garden. Native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean, eggplants are as beautiful in the garden as they are delicious on your plate. And with countless ways to cook and prepare them, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy a bumper crop.
In the right climate, eggplants are nearly as easy to grow as tomatoes. Whether you want to grow them in raised beds, containers, or directly in your garden, this guide walks you through everything you need to know for a successful season.
When and Where to Grow Eggplant
Eggplants are heat-loving plants that need at least three months of warm weather to thrive. They grow best in:
- Daytime temperatures: 80–90°F (27–32°C)
- Nighttime temperatures: Above 70°F (21°C)
If your area can grow peppers, you can likely grow eggplant. For slightly shorter seasons, choose fast-maturing varieties that are harvest-ready in under 60 days.
How to Plant Eggplant
Eggplants can be picky about planting, so follow these tips closely to give them the best start possible.
Understanding Seed Germination
- Germination time: 7–14 days
- Viability: Eggplant seeds remain viable for up to five years
- Minimum temperature: Do not plant in soil below 65°F, as cold can stall growth or kill seedlings
Starting Seeds Indoors
In most U.S. climates, start eggplants indoors about 6 weeks before your last spring frost—usually 2 weeks after starting your tomatoes and peppers.
How to Start Seeds:
- Soak seeds overnight to encourage germination.
- Plant in living, moistened soil ¼ inch deep, spaced ½ inch apart.
- Keep soil moist (not soggy) and warm—use a heating mat if needed.
- Provide 14 hours of light per day using fluorescent or grow lights.
- Once true leaves appear, thin seedlings to 2-inch spacing.
Hardening Off:
Begin setting seedlings outside for short periods on warm days, increasing exposure gradually over 2 weeks. Bring indoors if temperatures drop below 55°F.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Choose a sunny, well-drained site with rich organic soil. Eggplants need:
- Full sun (8+ hours/day)
- Soil pH: Between 5.5 and 7.5
- Warm soil: Use black plastic mulch or raised beds to help heat the soil before transplanting.
Transplanting Outdoors
Wait until 2 weeks after your last frost and ensure plants are at least 8 weeks old. Harden them off gradually before transplanting.
- Best transplanting conditions: Cloudy day or late afternoon
- Spacing: 18–24 inches between plants, 3 feet between rows
- Watering: Water deeply after transplanting
Pro tip: Pinch the tips when plants reach 6 inches tall to encourage bushy growth. Later, remove side shoots to focus energy on fruit production.
Growing Eggplant in Containers
Eggplants thrive in containers, making them ideal for patios and small spaces.
- Container size: 3–5 gallons with at least 12 inches depth
- Best practice: Start seeds indoors and transplant at 8 weeks
- Container care: Elevate pots to deter flea beetles. Water frequently (especially with terra cotta pots), and feed regularly with compost or organic fertilizer.
Direct Seeding (For Hot Climates)
If your region has a long, hot summer, you can sow seeds directly in the garden.
- Planting depth: Less than ½ inch
- Initial spacing: 6 inches apart
- After thinning: 18–24 inches based on variety
Watering and Mulching
Eggplants need consistent care to thrive.
- Initial watering: Deep and thorough after transplanting
- Ongoing needs: About 1 inch of water per week
- Avoid: Irregular watering, which causes woody stems and deformed fruit
Use mulch to retain moisture, prevent weeds, and regulate temperature. Black plastic early in the season warms soil; later switch to straw or grass clippings once the soil reaches 75°F.
Companion Planting & Crop Rotation
Eggplants do well with other nightshades like tomatoes and peppers but can attract similar pests.
Best companions:
- Beans: Repel beetles and add nitrogen to soil
- Pole beans: Provide natural windbreak and shade
Avoid: Fennel—it can inhibit eggplant growth.
Rotate crops yearly to prevent disease buildup. Avoid planting in the same spot as other nightshades for at least 2 years.
Common Eggplant Pests and Diseases
1. Verticillium Wilt
- Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing, collapse
- Prevention: Ensure good drainage, remove infected plants, choose resistant varieties like ‘Irene’
2. Late Blight
- Symptoms: Dark lesions, fuzzy white mold under leaves
- Control: Use organic fungicide at first sign, destroy affected plants
3. Flea Beetles
- Damage: Small holes in leaves, stunted growth
- Solution: Row covers, container gardening, compost for strong plant immunity
4. Colorado Potato Beetles
- Identification: Fat, yellow-black striped beetles
- Control: Hand-pick and drown in soapy water
5. Tomato Hornworms
- Damage: Defoliation
- Control: Hand-pick before serious damage occurs
Harvesting and Storing Eggplant
Eggplants taste best when harvested young and tender.
Signs of Ripeness:
- Glossy, smooth skin
- Firm but slightly spongy to the touch
- Dull skin and hard seeds indicate over-maturity
Harvesting Tips:
- Use pruning shears or a knife to cut stems
- Handle with care—eggplants bruise easily
Storage:
- Store at 55°F for up to one week
- Avoid refrigeration unless necessary—wrap in plastic and use quickly
- To preserve: Dehydrate ½-inch slices until brittle; rehydrate in water before cooking
How to Save Eggplant Seeds
Eggplants are self-pollinating, making seed saving easy from open-pollinated varieties.
- Choose your healthiest plant.
- Allow fruit to fully mature on the vine until leathery and yellow-brown.
- Remove seeds by hand or soak pulp in water and squeeze seeds free.
- Dry seeds in a cool, dark area for 2 weeks.
- Store in envelopes in a dry place for up to 5 years.
Choosing the Best Eggplant Variety
Your perfect eggplant depends on climate, space, and taste preference.
- Oval/Oblong: Classic supermarket type—large, purple, heat-loving
- Small-fruited: Like ‘Little Finger’—ideal for containers
- Asian varieties: Quick-maturing and tender—try ‘Ping Tung’ or ‘Japanese White Egg’
- Novelty types: Unique heirlooms like the colorful ‘Rosa Bianca’
Extra Tips for Organic Eggplant Success
- Feed with a liquid organic leaf spray every few weeks
- Be consistent with watering
- Delay transplanting until weather is reliably warm
- Interplant with quick crops like lettuce to maximize space
With a little patience and the right conditions, growing eggplant can be incredibly rewarding—yielding delicious, versatile fruits you’ll enjoy all summer long.