How to Grow Eggplant

Eggplants grow into tall, angular plants, so they should be spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. Improve planting holes by mixing in 2 inches of compost to help hold moisture and fertilizer in the soil. Set plants at the same depth at which they are growing in their containers, and water well before spreading mulch.

How long does it take to grow eggplant?
Are eggplants easy to grow?
What is the best month to plant eggplant?
How do you know when eggplant is ready to harvest?
How often should Eggplant be watered?
What is the best fertilizer for eggplants?
Do eggplants like full sun?
How do you make eggplant grow faster?
What should you not plant next to eggplant?
When should you not eat eggplant?
Why are eggplants bad for you?

How long does it take to grow eggplant?

Harvest eggplant 65 to 80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety. When starting from seed, expect 100 to 120 days to maturity. July, August, and September (even into October) are all harvest months for eggplant, depending on where you live and the variety you planted. Don't wait too long to harvest!

Are eggplants easy to grow?

Growing eggplant is easy where summers are long and warm. Where summers are short, varieties that mature quickly and produce medium to small fruits can easily be grown in containers. If you grow peppers, you can grow eggplant.

What is the best month to plant eggplant?

June is the month to plant eggplants in the garden.

How do you know when eggplant is ready to harvest?

Harvesting eggplants should occur when the inner flesh is cream colored, fruits are firm and before seeds are visible. Learning when to harvest eggplants may require cutting into the fruit to check the color of the flesh and the size of the seeds.

How often should Eggplant be watered?

Eggplant also needs consistent water, at least 1 inch per week. It is better to give one thorough soaking than several frequent, short waterings, because frequent watering promotes shallow roots. Weather and soil type, of course, will affect water demand.

What is the best fertilizer for eggplants?

A balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) is often recommended for eggplant. Feeding too much nitrogen at this point can result in large, leafy plants that fail to produce fruit.

Do eggplants like full sun?

As a basic rule of thumb, vegetables grown for their fruit or roots—such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, potatoes, or carrots—require full sun, which is defined as a garden location that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. ... Keep in mind, though, that no vegetable can thrive in deep, dense shade.

How do you make eggplant grow faster?

Start seeds late

Thanks to their broad leaves, eggplant seedlings grow quickly, gaining size faster than tomatoes or peppers. If you have a long, warm growing season and use a split season planting plan, you can start seeds in midsummer for a fall crop. Set out the seedlings out during a spell of cloudy weather.

What should you not plant next to eggplant?

Eggplant – A good companion for amaranth, beans, marigolds, peas, peppers, spinach, and thyme. Do not plant eggplants near fennel. Fennel – Not a companion for any garden food plant, fennel will actually inhibit growth in bush beans, kohlrabi, tomatoes, and others.

When should you not eat eggplant?

If this is the color you are referring to, it is edible. If the flesh is more brown than white, the eggplant may be spoiling and should be discarded. Watch our eggplant storage and selection video with Your Produce Man, Michael Marks, and check out our Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Eggplant.

Why are eggplants bad for you?

Are There Any Risks? Eggplant and other nightshade vegetables have the chemical solanine, which some people claim adds to inflammation and makes diseases like arthritis worse. There's no solid evidence that the small amount of solanine in eggplant worsens arthritis symptoms.