Eggplant Planting Guide

Melody Acres Hobby Farm

Eggplant Planting Guide

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a warm season tender annual in the Solanaceae family which includes peppers, tomatoes, tomatillos, potatoes and ground cherries.

Eggplant types include the familiar Italian type and the long and slender Asian type with a thinner skin that doesn’t need to be peeled. Colors range from deep purple to blushing lavender to stripes of orange and green.

Plant outdoors when daytime temperatures are at least 65°F and night time temperatures are above 50°F. Plastic mulch and floating row cover may be used to increase soil and air temperatures and ward off insects.

Soil and Nutrient Requirements- Deep well drained sandy loam with pH 6.5-6.8 is best. Eggplants are heavy feeders. Plants are sensitive to nitrogen; if over fertilized, they will grow excessive foliage and produce less fruit. Use a high phosphorous starter such as bone meal.

Position: Full sun

Plant Spacing: 18-24”

Row Spacing: 30-36”

Double rows: 24” with 4-6’ centers.

Planting Instructions:

Amend soil as needed with peat and composted manure mixed thoroughly with an organic granular fertilizer.  (Add fertilizer as directions indicate and reapply at intervals according to directions)  Plant eggplant to original pot depth. Water and Mulch. 

Stake as needed when the plant is heavy with fruit to prevent stem breakage.

Harvest eggplants when skin is glossy and thumbprint will not leave an impression, if seeds are brown fruit is over-ripe. Regular harvest increases production of fruit.

Companions: Green beans, Peppers, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Borage, Feverfew, Marigolds

Happy Gardening!!