Growing Great Eggplant: Checklist

Sun: 8 hours of direct sun a day.

Timing: even fussier than peppers. Plant out once nights stay above 55°F (13°C) and soil is about 65°F (18°C).  Best to grow in a greenhouse against a building or provide shelter from winds with tall plants. 

Soil: well-drained, rich in organic matter, slightly acidic at  pH 5.8 to 6.8.

Spacing: 18 to 24 inches apart.

Water: Water deeply and evenly but do not let them sit in wet soil.  They benefit greatly from misting.  

Feed: balanced fertilizer at planting and when fruit is forming water with weak liquid fertilizer every time they are watered.  

Cover early: row cover protects young plants from flea beetles. Remove it when flowers appear so pollinators can get in.

Support: stake plants once fruit starts to set, and cut growing tip when plant reaches 12" in height to encourage fruit set.

Mulch: once the soil is warm and do not let them get overrun with weeds

Harvest: as soon as skin is glossy. Dull skin means overripe, seedy and bitter. Cut with pruners; the stems are tough.

Rotate: no eggplant, tomatoes, peppers or potatoes in the same spot for 3 years.