🍆 Eggplant
Solanum melongena
vegetables
fruit (culinary vegetable, solanaceae/nightshade)
☀️ Sun
Full sun (8+ hours) CRITICAL; eggplants need MORE heat and sun than tomatoes or peppers , insufficient sun = no fruit set
💧 Water
Medium, high; 1, 1.5 inches per week; consistent moisture critical during fruit set and development; inconsistent watering causes blossom end rot (calcium transport issue); drip irrigation ideal; mulch heavily to retain moisture and warmth
🗺️ Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
🧪 Soil pH
5.5, 7.0 (tolerates slightly more acidic soil than tomatoes/peppers)
🪴 Soil Type
Rich, well-drained, sandy loam with very high organic matter; eggplants are HEAVY feeders , incorporate 3, 4 inches of compost and well-rotted manure; benefits from calcium (prevent blossom end rot) and potassium (fruit development)
🚿 Drainage
Well-drained essential; eggplants are very sensitive to waterlogged soil , root rot and verticillium wilt are common in wet conditions; raised beds ideal
📏 Spacing
18, 24 inches apart; rows 30, 36 inches; compact/patio varieties: 12, 18 inches; large Italian varieties need full spacing for good air circulation
⏱️ Maturity
60-80 days (from transplant); 100-130 days from seed
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ Fruit (botanically a berry , the main crop; NEVER eat raw , contains solanine, though much less than green potatoes)
🍽️ Leaves (NOT edible , toxic solanine content)
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (10)
Shades soil keeping eggplant roots cool; attracts beneficial predatory insects; different nutrient demands
Repels whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites; improves eggplant flavor (anecdotal); attracts pollinators
Beans fix nitrogen to feed heavy-feeding eggplants; beans repel Colorado potato beetles which also attack eggplant; different root depths
Repels nematodes (eggplant is highly susceptible to root-knot nematodes); deters flea beetles and aphids; one of the most important eggplant companions
Trap crop for aphids and flea beetles; ground cover retains soil moisture; repels whiteflies IMPORTANT management caveat: without active management, nasturtiums can become a SOURCE of aphids that migrate to nearby crops. Either remove aphid-infested nasturtium plants promptly, or treat the trap crop itself to eliminate the aphid colony before it spreads. Strategic placement within 4-5 feet of protected crops is key.
Okra provides windbreak and partial shade for eggplants in hot climates.
Aromatic oils repel flea beetles (eggplant's #1 pest), aphids, and spider mites; ground cover retains moisture
Both are nightshades with identical growing requirements; peppers are more compact, eggplants can be trellised above; efficient space use
Tarragon's aromatic oils deter pests from eggplant; both thrive in warm conditions.
Thyme repels flea beetles from eggplant; low-growing aromatic companion.
⚠️ Keep Apart (4)
Both are heavy feeders competing intensely for nitrogen; corn may shade eggplant reducing fruit set
Allelopathic , strongly inhibits eggplant growth
Both Solanaceae , share Colorado potato beetle, flea beetles, early blight, and verticillium wilt; planting together concentrates pest and disease problems
Same family , shared pests (flea beetles, hornworms, blight); eggplants may compete with tomatoes for calcium; many sources recommend separating nightshades
💊 Medicinal Uses
Medicinal Properties
- Contains nasunin , a potent anthocyanin antioxidant found in purple eggplant skin; protects cell membranes from lipid peroxidation (brain health)
- Excellent source of dietary fiber , supports digestive health and cholesterol reduction
- Contains chlorogenic acid , antioxidant with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and blood-sugar-lowering properties
- Good source of B vitamins (especially B1/B6), copper, and manganese
- Traditional medicine: used topically for skin inflammation; juice for lowering cholesterol (folk use)
📝 Growing Notes
Eggplants are the MOST cold-sensitive nightshade , require soil temperatures above 65°F and air temperatures consistently above 70°F. Transplant only when nights are reliably above 55°F. Flea beetles are the #1 pest , they can kill young seedlings; floating row covers until flowering, then remove for pollination. Staking/caging prevents heavy fruit from breaking branches. Harvest when skin is glossy , dull skin means overripe and may be bitter; press gently , if flesh springs back, it's ready. Salting sliced eggplant before cooking draws out bitterness and prevents oil absorption. Modern varieties ('Italian', 'Japanese/Chinese' long types) are less bitter than older large globe types. Prune suckers for larger fruit, or leave unpruned for higher yield of smaller fruit.
🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Botanical Interests
True Leaf Market
Burpee
Territorial Seed Company
Plot Buddies is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our plant recommendations. We only link to retailers we trust.