Eggplant
Select Your Climate
Buying seedlings will speed up the process dramatically, especially for cooler climate gardeners with a short growing season.
Likes: Deep, rich, well-drained soil and warm temperatures.
Dislikes: Cold feet: they sulk if planted in cold soil.
When to plant/sow in zone:
How to start: Sow seed 5mm deep in punnets; keep moist but not drenched. Grow seedlings on in pots until soil is warm. Plant into compost enriched soil 45cm apart.
How to grow: Keep moist and fertilise every two months. Stake plants to support them in fruit.
When to harvest: Use secateurs to snip off fruit while still firm and shiny – old fruit become dry, seedy and bitter.
Pests and diseases: Fungal diseases; aphids
Suppliers: The Diggers Club Garden Express
Wondering what to plant when?
Use our planner to create a planting calendar for your climate zone
View Planting Guide
Related Articles
Sowing Capsicum and Eggplant in Spring
Capsicums and eggplants are true summer crops that need warm conditions to grow. JUSTIN RUSSELL shares his tips for heating things up prior to sowing seed.
How to Grow Organic Eggplant
Eggplant is the perfect summer crop for organic gardeners, but it doesn’t come without its challenges, says PHIL DUDMAN