Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Temperamental
- Grown as
- Annual
- Days to Maturity
- 75 (Spring/Summer)
- Growing Habit
- Bush
- Hardiness
- Tender
Eggplant is a tropical plant and won't grow if it isn't warm and sunny.
- Crops
- Spring Transplant, Spring
- Growing Season
- Long
- Cultivar Type
- -
- Growing Conditions
- Warm, Hot
Eggplant needs a warm, sunny spot, sheltered from cold winds.
- Outdoor Growing Temp
- 65°F - 95°F
- Min Outdoor Soil Temp
- 60°F
Eggplants is a tropical plant and needs warm soil for germination, a minimum of 60 degrees F.
- Start Indoors
- Yes
- Start Outdoors
- Yes
- Light
- Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot)
Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
The plants are fairly drought tolerant, but need moist soil for maximum fruit production.
- Feeder
- Moderate
They like nitrogen and moderate amounts of phosphorus and potassium.
- Suitability
- Drought tolerant, High heat, Needs lots of space
- Small Gardens?
- No
- Containers?
- Yes
The smaller varieties do quite well in containers (these should be least 12 inches deep). The ideal container for growing eggplant is 3 to 5 gallons in size. Fill the container with a mixture of potting soil and compost and make sure to give your eggplants lots of water and fertilizer. It can be helpful to use a tomato cage, as eggplants can get really large. Container growing works quite well for eggplant because you can move them inside if cold weather or frost threatens.
- Attracts beneficial insects?
- No
- Color
- Purple
- Fruit Size
- 8.0 - 10.0"
- Plant Height
- 22.0 - 38.0"
- Plant Diameter
- 12.0 - 18.0"
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-11
- Disease Resistance
- Taste Profile
Classic mild flavor, good grilled, baked, mashed. Dark purple fruits can be sliced like a cucumber.
- Rotation Group
- Fruits: Solanaceae + Cucurbits