VegetableEggplant
Eggplant
Eggplant (Solanum melongena 'Aswad') is a warm-season annual that commands attention in the garden, reaching 24 to 48 inches tall with a similarly impressive spread of 12 to 36 inches. These robust plants produce striking edible fruits in shades of purple, violet, white, yellow, red, or green depending on the cultivar, often reaching up to nearly a foot in length. Growing eggplant requires patience and warmth; it thrives in hardiness zones 9 through 12 and demands full sun and consistently warm nights above 65°F to flourish. The genus name itself hints at the plant's ancient reputation, derived from the Latin solamen, meaning solace or soothing, a nod to its historical use in traditional medicine and cuisine across cultures.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam; Rich Organic Matter
Growth Stats
48 in
Height
36 in
Width
Spacing
18
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-13
Size
48in H x 36in W
Growth
—
Care
Moderate
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Highlights
Eggplant plants often resemble small trees in the garden, with purple-tinged green foliage and delicate drooping violet flowers that eventually give way to gorgeously colored, edible fruits. The leaves, stems, and calyx may have small thorns, adding to their distinctive architectural character. These are not flowers for show; the real draw lies in the showy, substantial fruits that develop into culinary treasures. Their need for warmth and long growing seasons makes them a deliberate gardener's crop, rewarding those who provide the heat and light they crave with months of harvest.
Common Uses
Eggplant is grown primarily for its edible fruits, which are staples in cuisines around the world. The fruits are harvested at various stages of maturity and prepared in countless ways depending on regional tradition and cultivar. Whether roasted, grilled, sautéed, or stewed, eggplant adapts to both simple preparations and complex dishes.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors in peat pots 8 to 10 weeks before your intended transplant date. Keep soil warm and consistently moist, providing bright light as seedlings emerge. Avoid exposing young plants to cold temperatures, as eggplant roots are particularly susceptible to cold damage.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant into the garden after all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures are consistently at or above 65°F. Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few days before final planting. Space plants 12 to 36 inches apart depending on variety size. Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil.
Harvesting
Harvest eggplant fruits when they reach full size and develop a glossy, firm appearance, typically in the color characteristic of your specific cultivar. Cut fruits from the plant using a knife or pruning shears rather than pulling them, as the stems can be woody. Fruits can range from 1 inch to almost 12 inches in length depending on the variety, so familiarize yourself with the expected mature size of your specific cultivar. Harvest regularly throughout the season to encourage continued fruit production.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Bloom Time
Flowers Not Showy
Scientific Classification
Solanum melongena 'Aswad'
Family
Solanaceae
Genus
solanum
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)