Solanum melongena
Botanical Name
Solanum melongena
Hardiness
Annual
Height
2 to 4 feet
Width
2 to 4 feet
Flowers
Mid to late summer: violet
Fruit
Variety of colors and shapes; purple, white, green, orange; long and thin or ball-shaped
Light
Full sun to part shade
Soil
Moist, well-drained, fertile
Planting and Care
Plant outdoors after danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 30 to 36 inches apart. Some varieties may need staking.
Harvesting
Harvest eggplants when the fruits are 6 to 8 inches long and glossy. Use a knife or pruning shears to cut the fruits off the plant. This will prevent damage to the plant.
Problems
Verticillium wilt, flea beetles, aphids, cutworms, Colorado potato beetle
Varieties to Consider
'Fairy Tale' - 2005 AAS winner, petite, white with purple stripes
'Gretel' - 2009 AAS winner, small white fruit
'Hansel' - compact 3', thin purple fruit 3-10" in length
'Easter Egg' - small white egg-shaped fruit, mature to yellow, edible