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Eggplants can come in a variety of shades, from lavender to emerald green. The most common variety is the deep purple and oval-shaped beauties we see at the grocery store. Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (Find your hardiness zone.) When to Plant: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks prior to planting outdoors in mid to late spring (or 2-3 weeks after the last frost). Starter plants are also available from nurseries and home improvement stores, and can be planted directly into the soil when indicated above. Conditions: Before planting, work a lot of compost, as well as moderate amount of organic fertilizer such as blood meal, bat guano, or well-rotted manure, into the soil. Eggplant needs a lot of sun to thrive. Space Needed: Seedlings should be spaced 18-24 inches apart in rows about 3 feet apart. Maintenance: Eggplants are heavy feeders and do well with regular fertilization while growing. They also require a lot of water; eggplant becomes bitter if under-watered. Flea beetles and spider mites are a common problem on eggplant. If infestation occurs, spray with an all-natural insecticide spray. When to Harvest: Harvest when eggplants are shiny and firm. If the skin turns dull, they have been on the vine too long. Average Yield: Each plant can yield about 2 pounds of eggplant. Continuous Yield: Yes Life Cycle: Annual Difficulty Rating (1-5): 3  |
