Growing Eggplant
A heat lover that finally hits its stride once tomatoes are winding down.
How to Grow Eggplant
Planting
Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost, eggplant is slow to get going and wants warm soil, don’t rush it outside.
Watering & feeding
Deep, consistent watering, especially once fruit starts to set. A layer of mulch helps it ride out our hottest stretches.
Harvest
Cut, don’t pull, and pick while the skin is still glossy. A dull skin means it’s overripe and will taste bitter.
Grows Well With
Plant eggplant near beans, they fix nitrogen the heavy-feeding eggplant appreciates, and marigolds nearby help with flea beetles. See all our companion planting pairs →
When to Plant
Start indoors mid-February, transplant after mid-April once the soil has warmed and nights stay reliably above 55°F. See the full planting calendar →
Buy the Seeds We Use
From the Seed Center
Shop Eggplant Seeds
$1.25
From the Kitchen: Recipes Using Eggplant
Looking for recipe ideas? Browse the full Recipe Book.