Long Purple Eggplant Seeds

Growing Eggplant

Eggplant is a warm-season vegetable that is native to India and Southeast Asia. It is a member of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. Eggplant is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world, and it can be used in a variety of dishes, such as moussaka, eggplant parmesan, and baba ghanoush.

When to plant eggplant

Eggplant needs warm weather to germinate and grow, so it is important to plant it after all danger of frost has passed. In most climates, you can plant eggplant seeds directly in the garden 1-2 weeks after the last frost date. If you have a shorter growing season, you can start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them into the garden when they are 6-8 inches tall.

Where to plant eggplant

Eggplant needs full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be loose and friable, with plenty of organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you can improve drainage by adding sand or compost.

How to plant eggplant

To plant eggplant seeds, sow them 1 inch deep and 2-3 feet apart. If you are planting seedlings, space them 3-4 feet apart. Eggplant vines can spread up to 10 feet wide, so it is important to give the plants plenty of room to grow.

Caring for eggplant

Eggplant plants need regular watering, especially during hot weather. Water deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry. Fertilize eggplant plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.