Eggplants

Planting eggplants

Start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. Transplant out only when nights stay above about 55 F; eggplant stalls harder in cold than tomatoes do.

Planting details

• Transplant into fully warm soil
• Spacing: 18 to 24 inches
• Seed depth: about 1/4 inch

Growing requirements

Eggplants need full sun, real heat, and fertile, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture prevents small or bitter fruit.

Harvesting and care

Pick fruit while the skin is glossy; dull skin means it is overripe and seedy. Frequent picking keeps plants setting new fruit.

Common mistakes

• Planting out in cool nights, which stunts plants for weeks
• Leaving fruit until skin dulls, which gives bitter, seedy flesh
• Ignoring flea beetles, which can shred young transplants

Companion plants

Eggplants pair with peppers and basil, which share their heat needs. Watch for flea beetles early and use row cover on young plants.