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Growing & Caring for Eggplant

Eggplant is a super versatile plant that is used among many different cooking dishes. The deep purple, almost black colored Black Beauty eggplants have a large globe shape and glossy skin that ripen early and  have a high yield.

How to Grow Eggplant:

*Eggplant seeds do best when started indoors with a soil temperature of 70-75 degrees.

Indoors

  • Seeds should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost.
  • Plant the eggplant seed about 1/4″ below the surface of the soil.

Outdoors

  • Do not direct sow outdoors unless you know the soil will stay above 65 degrees. Eggplant is heat sensitive during the germination and sprouting process so we recommend starting indoors.

Transplanting

  • Begin hardening off at least 3-5 days before you plan to transplant.
  • Space 3-4″ tall seedlings 18-24″ apart in rows 2 1/2 to 3 feet apart in a warm, sunny area of your garden.

Harvest

  • Harvest 16-24 weeks after plating when the skin is glossy and smooth.
  • Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut from the plant and leave about an inch of stem on the fruit.
  • Can last up to two weeks when stored in a humid area no above 50 degrees.

Growing Tips

  • Stake if the plant is over 24″ tall.
  • Eggplants need about 1 inch of water per week. Keep your watering consistent to avoid cracks.
  • Eggplants are even a good choice for container gardening. Dwarf varieties will grow well in an 8-inch pot or a deep window box. Use a 12-inch pot or 5-gallon container for larger eggplants to allow for root development. Make sure your containers have good drainage and water as needed, especially as fruit begins to form on the plants.

Pests to Watch For:

  • Aphids
  • Spider Mites
  • Tomato Hornworms
  • Downy and Powdery Mildew
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