Eggpant

A member of the nightshade (Solanaceae) family—along with tomatoes, tomatillos, peppers, and potatoes—eggplant has been a staple in India and the Middle East for centuries. Its name is derived from the egg shape of its shiny fruit.

Eggplant in Summer

Long, warm growing seasons and warm soil are needed for germination and fruiting. Cool, foggy, windy conditions yield sparse crops.
Differences among varieties are mainly in the size, shape, and color of fruit; leaves are toxic.
Skin is commonly purple or purple-black, but green, yellow and mottled varieties are also available. White types are said to have lesser taste and quality.
Each plant usually produces three to four fruits.
Most varieties are either egg-shaped (e.g., ‘Black Beauty,’ ‘Dusky’ and ‘Rosa Bianca’) or long, Asian-type (e.g., ‘Ichiban,’ ‘Tycoon’ and ‘Pingtung Long’) with thinner skin and delicate flavor.

Growing Sites and Care

Practice crop rotation to avoid planting sites where other nightshade crops have recently grown.
Consider using a heating mat made for indoor seeding—the optimal soil temperature for germination is 75-85 degrees.
Germinate seeds indoors 8-9 weeks before the last expected frost date.
Pot up 3 in. tall seedlings with 3 sets of leaves. At 6 in. tall, harden them off and transplant.
Wait for days of 70 degrees to plant out and nights above 55 degrees (ideally 65). Success is difficult in cool-summer microclimates; varieties bred for the Pacific Northwest may be tried.
Prepare light, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Use black plastic to warm the soil prior to planting, if necessary, and row covers to mitigate nighttime dips in temperature.
Plant in full sun and water deeply in basins around each plant. Regular water is important during flowering and fruit production. During drought periods, water can be reduced after fruit sets.
Plant in rows 3 ft. apart with 2 ft. between plants. Choose small varieties to plant in containers.
Stake or support plants as needed when fruit begins to develop.
Use shade covers to protect plants when temperatures go above 95 degrees. Use hot caps or row covers to protect plants for cold conditions.
Feed eggplant once a month with a fertilizer high in potassium and phosphorus and medium nitrogen or with compost tea or fish emulsion. Spread the amendments in a circle around the base of each plant and scratch it in lightly. Excess nitrogen promotes leafy growth.
Spread mulch to retain moisture and keep weeds down.
Harvest mature fruits about 60-80 days after transplanting. Mature fruit is soft enough that you can press it and leave a slight indentation. Use shears to cut fruit from the plant.

Pests and Problems

Larvae, beetles, or mites may appear. Handpick and crush egg masses on undersides of leaves.
Use insecticidal soap or a jet of water to dislodge aphids. Use row covers or sticky traps to control flea beetles and white flies.
Purchase TMV—tomato mosaic virus—resistant varieties.

Additional Information

Sonoma County Master Gardener Vegetable Planting Summary.
https://sonomamg.ucanr.edu/Food_Gardening_with_Less_Water/
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/eggplant/index.html
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/eggplant/cultural-tips/

February 2022