Joydeep / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Eggplant
Solanum melongena
EdibleMedicinalToxic — Use Caution
Edible Partsfruit
Overview
A nightshade family vegetable with origins in India, where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years in an incredible diversity of shapes, sizes, and colors — from the classic deep purple globe to slender Japanese types, round Thai green, and white varieties that earned it the name 'eggplant.' Its spongy flesh absorbs flavors beautifully when cooked, making it a versatile base for global cuisines.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureWet
Hardiness Zones9a — 11
Height1.22m
Spread0.6m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanAnnual
Bloom ColorWhite
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH5.5 — 6.8
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, warm loam with plenty of organic matter
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start 8-10 weeks before last frost |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant 2 weeks after last frost; needs warm soil |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Aug — Sep | Harvest when skin is glossy; before frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start 8-10 weeks before last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — Jun | Transplant when nights above 55°F |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Harvest when firm and glossy |
| Moderate (5-7) | Start Indoors | Jan — Feb | Start 8-10 weeks before transplant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | May — May | Transplant after soil warms |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jul — Oct | Harvest regularly to encourage production |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Transplant in spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | May — Oct | Long harvest window |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Spring transplant; also Aug for fall |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Apr — Jun | Spring harvest; fall crop Oct-Nov |
Uses
Culinary
- Grilled, roasted, or fried for baba ganoush and moussaka
- Sliced and layered in parmigiana and ratatouille
- Stir-fried in Thai and Chinese dishes
Medicinal
- Rich in nasunin, an antioxidant that protects brain cell membranes
- Fiber and chlorogenic acid support heart and blood sugar health
- Traditional Ayurvedic use for diabetes management
Other Uses
- Beautiful ornamental with purple flowers and colorful fruit
Safety Notes
Must be cooked before eating — raw eggplant contains solanine. Leaves are toxic. Some people are sensitive to nightshades.
