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Eggplant

Solanum melongena

VegetablesToxic

Heat-loving plant producing glossy purple fruits. Needs warm soil and shelter from wind for best production.

Overview

SunFull Sun
WaterMediumCalculate watering amount
Height50–100 cm
Spread50 cm
Spacing60 cm
Row Spacing75 cm
Germination7–21 days
To Harvest65–85 days

Companion Planting

Bad Companions

Fennel

Toxicity

SeverityMildly toxic
Toxic toDogs, Cats

Leaves, stems, flowers, and unripe fruits contain solanine; ripe cooked fruit is safe for humans and dogs in moderation, but cats lack a key liver detoxification pathway and are at higher risk.

Planting Tips

LocationFull sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day; sheltered from strong winds.
SoilWell-drained, fertile loam rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
Sowing Depth0.5 cm
Planting Depth5 cm
WateringWater deeply at the base 1-2 times per week (about 2.5-5 cm total), keeping foliage dry; water in the morning to prevent fungal disease.

1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.

FertilizingApply balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) every 2 weeks once fruits begin to set; avoid excess nitrogen early on.

Care Tip: Stake or cage tall varieties for support, mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and remove suckers below the first fork.

Common Pests

Flea Beetles

Symptoms: Numerous small, round 'shot holes' in leaves, especially on young seedlings.

Treatment: Apply insecticidal soap, neem oil, or pyrethrin-based sprays; use sticky traps nearby.

Prevention: Use floating row covers on transplants until plants are established; remove plant debris in fall.

Aphids

Symptoms: Curled, yellowed, or sticky leaves with stunted growth; honeydew residue attracts sooty mold.

Treatment: Spray with insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water; introduce ladybugs or lacewings.

Prevention: Encourage beneficial insects, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, and inspect plants regularly.

Tomato/Tobacco Hornworms

Symptoms: Large irregular holes in leaves, defoliation, and dark droppings on foliage; fruit may also be damaged.

Treatment: Hand-pick caterpillars off plants; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for heavy infestations.

Prevention: Till soil in fall to destroy overwintering pupae; plant companion herbs like basil or dill to attract parasitic wasps.

Common Diseases

Verticillium / Fusarium Wilt

Symptoms: Lower leaves yellow and wilt progressively upward; brown vascular discoloration visible in cut stems.

Treatment: No chemical cure; remove and destroy infected plants immediately to limit spread.

Prevention: Rotate crops on a 3-4 year cycle, choose resistant varieties, and solarize soil before planting.

Phytophthora Blight

Symptoms: Dark water-soaked lesions on stems, leaves, and fruit; rapid wilting and plant collapse in wet conditions.

Treatment: Apply copper-based fungicides at first sign of infection; remove and destroy severely affected plants.

Prevention: Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overhead watering, and space plants for good air circulation.

Anthracnose

Symptoms: Small sunken, dark spots on fruit that enlarge and develop orange-pink spore masses in humid weather.

Treatment: Spray with copper fungicide or chlorothalonil; remove and discard infected fruit promptly.

Prevention: Practice crop rotation, avoid working with wet plants, and harvest fruit promptly when ripe.