Growing Eggplant from Seed to Harvest

Welcome to another installment of our 2014 Planting Guide!  I just transplanted a few eggplant seedlings into the garden today.  Being in South Florida we get a jump on "spring" planting.  If you'd like more growing info please feel free to sign up for our free e-newsletter. 

Eggplants can grow 2 to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety.  Eggplants take 60-80 days to mature depending on the variety.  Grow eggplant in full sun. Eggplant is not particular about the soil it grows in but will grow best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

My Black Beauty Eggplant

When to Plant Eggplant

Eggplant is sensitive to cold (and extreme heat). It grows best where day temperatures are between 80° and 90°F and night temperatures between 70° and 80°F. Eggplant is best started indoors (or on a patio if it's warm enough) 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting into the garden.  Do not set eggplants out until daytime temperatures are in the 70° F range.

Starting Eggplant from Seed

I recommend soaking your seeds in water for up to 24 hours.  This can increase the amount of seeds that germinate and how quickly they sprout.  Use organic potting soil if you are seed-starting indoors or in small containers to be transplanted outside.  Sow eggplant seed ¼ to ½ inch deep spaced 4 to 5 inches apart.  Most eggplant seeds germinate in 6-12 days.

How to Plant Eggplant

Thin plants to 6 inches apart if the weather does not allow transplanting before plants grow 5 to 6 inches tall.  Set eggplants into the garden 18 to 24 inches apart. Space rows 24 to 36 inches apart.

Tips for Growing Eggplant

Do not over water or allow the soil to dry out. Once the soil has warmed, mulch around eggplants to retain soil moisture and an even growing temperature. Eggplants are heavy feeders prepare planting beds with aged compost and side dress eggplants with compost tea every 2 or 3 weeks during until the fruit has set.

Eggplant is easily grown in containers. Plants will grow in pots at least 12 inches across and as deep. Choose a smaller growing variety.

Japanese White Eggplant

Companion Planting for Eggplants

Plant eggplant with amaranth, beans, peas, spinach, tarragon, thyme and marigold. Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family and does well with peppers as they like the same growing conditions.

How to prepare those Eggplants

I like to prepare eggplant by slicing thin rounds, grilling lightly on either side, drizzled with olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper.  It's SO EASY!!

Grilled Eggplant with ricotta cheese and fresh Basil

 Pesto Grilled Eggplant

Baked Stuffed Eggplant

Vegan Grilled Eggplant Roll-Ups

 

Sign up for our E-Newsletter

HTML Form Generator

In the Garden Spotlight: Japanese White Egg (eggplant)

This is definitely one of the most unique seeds available at Mary's Heirloom Seeds. I grew Black Beauty Eggplants last year and really enjoyed eating them right off the bush/plant. The Japanese White Egg will be a delightful addition to my garden.

65 days.  Produces heavy yields of 2-3" oval creamy white eggplants.  Long season.

Wonderful rich flavor.  Perfect for a delicious stir-fry or lasagna.

Companion plants for the eggplant are: amaranth, beans, peas, spinach, tarragon, thyme and marigold. Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family and does well with peppers as they like the same growing conditions.

From the Growing from Seed page:

Eggplants can grow 2 to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety.  Grow eggplant in full sun. Eggplant is not particular about the soil it grows in but will grow best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Eggplant is sensitive to cold (and extreme heat). It grows best where day temperatures are between 80° and 90°F and night temperatures between 70° and 80°F. Eggplant is best started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting into the garden.

Sow eggplant seed ¼ to ½ inch deep spaced 4 to 5 inches apart. Thin plants to 6 inches apart if the weather does not allow transplanting before plants grow 5 to 6 inches tall. Set eggplants into the garden 18 to 24 inches apart. Space rows 24 to 36 inches apart.

Do not over water or allow the soil to dry out. Once the soil has warmed, mulch around eggplants to retain soil moisture and an even growing temperature. Eggplants are heavy feeders prepare planting beds with aged compost and side dress eggplants with compost tea every 2 or 3 weeks during until the fruit has set. (stay tuned for compost tea recipe)

Eggplant is easily grown in containers. Plants will grow in pots at least 12 inches across and as deep. Choose a smaller growing variety.

Homegrown Black Beauty Eggplant

Harvested: Eggplants, tomatoes and swiss chard!

Do you have a favorite variety?  Would you like to share your garden?  Send me an email or leave a comment!

The Seeds in a Stocking Giveaway is almost finished.  2 days left!

No wrapping required!  No Card?  No Problem!
Includes 3 seed packs of your choice, a mini stocking and a holiday card for you to personalize.

*Stockings available in Red, Green and Blue*

This is a Garden Spotlight series!
Pink Oxheart Tomato
Sweet Corn
Beans
Spaghetti Squash
 Marglobe Tomato

Growing Eggplant from Seed

I mentioned back in February that I had trouble with my first Eggplants.  I was unaware that the blooms would not produce fruit when it was too hot.  I'm still learning A LOT about gardening!

Eggplants can grow 2 to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety.  Grow eggplant in full sun. Eggplant is not particular about the soil it grows in but will grow best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Eggplant is sensitive to cold (and extreme heat). It grows best where day temperatures are between 80° and 90°F and night temperatures between 70° and 80°F. Eggplant is best started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting into the garden.

Sow eggplant seed ¼ to ½ inch deep spaced 4 to 5 inches apart. Thin plants to 6 inches apart if the weather does not allow transplanting before plants grow 5 to 6 inches tall. Set eggplants into the garden 18 to 24 inches apart. Space rows 24 to 36 inches apart.

Do not over water or allow the soil to dry out. Once the soil has warmed, mulch around eggplants to retain soil moisture and an even growing temperature. Eggplants are heavy feeders prepare planting beds with aged compost and side dress eggplants with compost tea every 2 or 3 weeks during until the fruit has set. (stay tuned for compost tea recipe)

Eggplant is easily grown in containers. Plants will grow in pots at least 12 inches across and as deep. Choose a smaller growing variety.

I like to prepare eggplant by slicing thin rounds, grilling lightly on either side, drizzled with olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper.  It's SO EASY!!