How To Plant & Grow Eggplant Seeds

Eggplant is a beautiful dark purple plant that can be used to make a variety of wonderful dishes. A common favorite is eggplant parmesan, or it can be sliced and grilled, breaded and fried… The possibilities are endless with this versatile vegetable. Some varieties of eggplant are white, although the deep purple elongated version is the most popular.

Growing your very own eggplant in your backyard vegetable garden can be quite rewarding! Learning how to plant eggplant seeds is one thing, but be sure to dedicate the time and energy to care for it. This plant requires a lot of special attention in order to grow and be harvested properly. Below, we have put together an eggplant planting guide to walk you through the process.

Ensure a Warm Climate
Eggplant seeds prefer warm climates, so be sure you can grow it in a region where there is a long warm season. They will not grow until the outside temperatures are warm, preferably a minimum of 70 degrees or higher.

Start With Growing Seedlings Indoors
It is highly recommended that you grow eggplant seedlings indoors first and transplant them later. It can take some time before they are ready to be transplanted, so pay careful attention and make sure they have proper root growth. Never rush transplanting an eggplant as it can harm the plant and cause it to die.

Ensure Proper Spacing
Typically, only a few eggplant plants should be sewn, and they should be spaced anywhere from 18 to 24 inches apart.

Provide Rich Soil
Eggplant does best with nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and this should be added before transplanting them outside.

Water Regularly in The Early Stages
When you first plant them, water them regularly, but as they begin to grow, they will need less water and don’t mind the summer heat at all.

Harvest Your Eggplant
When the plants are about 6 to 8 inches long and glossy, it is time to harvest. It is suggested you wear gloves when harvesting as eggplant produces thorn-like growths that can cause scratches. Be sure to harvest the eggplant well before they turn brown, or else they will not be edible. A test to see if the plant is ready is to press your thumb into the meat, and if the flesh bounces back easily, it is ready to be harvested.

We hope our eggplant growing tips have been helpful! Let us know if you have any questions or feedback.