Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is an edible plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is a tender perennial plant that grows as an annual in temperate climates. Eggplant is native to India and is now cultivated throughout the world in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates. The eggplant is a herbaceous, branching, and somewhat woody perennial plant that grows to a height of 1â3 feet (30â90 cm). The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate-lanceolate, and often have a lobed or toothed margin. The flowers are white to purple, with five petals and numerous stamens. The fruit is a glossy, purple-black berry that can be egg-shaped, oblong, or spherical. The fruit is usually eaten cooked and is used in a variety of dishes.
Planning Your Garden With Eggplant
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Eggplant is an annual. |
| USDA Zone | Eggplant is hardy IN USDA Zones 4-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | Eggplants can usually tolerate temperatures as cold as 32. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for eggplant is usually around 60-90 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown eggplant plant is about 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Eggplant plants should be spaced 12-18 inches apart in rows that are spaced 3-4 feet apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Eggplant is a sun-loving plant and should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is best to plant eggplant in an area that receives full sun. |
| Shade tolerance | Eggplants are considered to be a sun-loving plant and prefer full sun exposure. They can tolerate some light shade, but should be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. |
| Water requirements | Eggplants need 1-2 inches of water per week. It is important to maintain even moisture levels, as both over- and under-watering can cause poor fruit production. Water eggplants deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and reduce weed growth. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing eggplant depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of garden area. If you are using a liquid fertilizer, use 1/2 cup per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing eggplant is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Eggplant is Popular
People like to grow eggplant because it is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a unique flavor, and its texture and color add interest to meals. Eggplant is also easy to grow, requiring minimal care and maintenance. Additionally, eggplant is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Companion Plants For Eggplant
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for eggplant include:
Common Pests For Eggplant
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow eggplant, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- flea beetles
- potato beetles
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- beetles
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
