Eggplant — FarmPal
Beautiful, heat-loving fruits in colors from deep purple to white to striped.
Sun
full
Water
moderate
Spacing
24-30 inches apart
Days to Harvest
65-80 days from transplant
Planting Depth
1/4 inch seeds, same depth for transplants
Companion Plants
Peppers
Beans
Spinach
Thyme
Marigolds
Avoid Planting Near
Fennel
Other nightshades nearby
Common Pests
Flea beetles
Colorado potato beetle
Aphids
Spider mites
Diseases to Watch
Verticillium wilt
Phytophthora
Anthracnose
Growing Tips
- •Needs very warm soil (65°F+) don't rush transplanting
- •Start seeds 8-10 weeks before last frost
- •Use black plastic mulch to warm soil in cooler climates
- •Stake or cage plants as fruit gets heavy
- •Flea beetles are the #1 pest use row cover early
Harvesting
- •Harvest when skin is glossy and firm
- •Press with thumb if it springs back, it's ready
- •Dull skin = overripe and bitter
- •Cut stem with pruners, don't pull
Storage
Refrigerator 5-7 days. Best used fresh. Freeze as prepared dishes.
Varieties
Black Beauty
Classic large dark purple. Widely adapted.
Ichiban
Japanese long thin type. Tender skin. Prolific.
Rosa Bianca
Italian heirloom. Lavender and white. Creamy mild.
Fairy Tale
Small striped fruit. Sweet, no bitterness. Container-friendly.
Thai Long Green
Slender green fruit. Essential for Asian cooking.