These members of the nightshade family need warm temperatures in order to blossom and fruit. Now that the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed, eggplant can be planted throughout May and June.
There are many types of eggplant to grow in your garden. Some of our favorites are:
- Large purple roundish or oval
- Japanese (which are long, slender, and very tender)
- Colored varieties; white, yellow, red, and green.
Some of the smaller ones genuinely resemble eggs. All are edible as well as attractive garden plants.
To produce a crop, eggplant need 2 to 3 months of warm temperatures that are no lower than 65 degrees. Space plants 3 ft apart in loose, fertile soil. Feed once every 6 weeks and be sure to control weeds. Mulch plants to reduce weeds and keep plants moist.
Eggplant can be grown from seeds, but buying plants that have been grown in a nursery is a much easier way to get your plants off to a good start (we sell eggplant starts in 4 inch pots).
Eggplant grow 2-3 feet high and equally wide. With big leaves that are purple tinged, drooping violet flowers and beautiful fruits, these plants are spectacular in any garden. Excellent in large containers or raised beds; a well spaced row of eggplant makes a distinguished border between vegetable and flower garden. Harvest fruits after they develop color, but don’t wait until they lose their glossy shine.