Melinda Myers

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