Eggplant

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

Soil

Moist, well-drained, fertile

Planting & Care

Best germination occurs with soil temperature 80F to 90F
Start plants indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost date or 8 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Sow seeds 1/4 deep.
Harden off plants and transplant outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed and the temperatures have warmed to at least 60F
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart, spacing rows 30 to 36 inches apart
Pinch off any flowers 2 to 4 weeks before first expected frost. This allows the plant to put its energy into ripening the existing fruit
Use floating row covers to protect plants from temperature fluctuations and pests
Some varieties may need staking

Problems

Verticillium wilt, flea beetles, aphids, cutworms, Colorado potato beetle

Varieties

Fairy Tale - 2005 All-America Selections winner, petite, white with purple stripes
Gretel - 2009 All-America Selections 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