Latin Name: Solanum melongena
Main Uses: Culinary

Days to Maturity: 70 days
Exposure: Full sun
Height: Up to 90 cm (36 inches)
Certified Organic: USDA Certified Organic

Germination: 5 - 14 days at 21 - 25ºC.
Sowing Indoors: 8 - 10 weeks before the planting-out date. Bottom heat improves germination rates and times. For best results, apply Sea Magic™ kelp from the first watering. Apply a seedling-starter fertilizer such as Evolve Seedling once the second set of true leaves has appeared, and then alternate between the kelp and seedling starter until transplant.
Planting Depth: 1/4". Cover lightly.
Spacing: Minimum 8" container per plant. In the garden, space 10 - 12" apart.
Planting Out: Often grown in containers in northern gardens - plant out/set outdoors starting in mid-June. Requires heat!

Growing in Containers: Grows very well in containers and raised beds.

Fertilizing (Containers): Plant in a quality, organic-based potting mix with good drainage. Fertilize regularly with organic plant food. Jobes organic spikes are easy and effective!

Watering (Containers): Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Monitor every day or two during very hot weather.

Fertilizing (Garden): Plant in a garden bed recently amended with compost. The application of Kelp is beneficial.

Watering (Garden): Water deeply to establish. Water mature plants weekly during hot weather.

Notes: Eggplant attracts the same type of pests as its close relatives - peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes - therefore, avoid planting them in close proximity.

Harvesting: Pick when fruits stop rapidly growing and still have a glossy texture. Over-ripened fruit will be soft and have hard seeds.

Suitability for Indoors: Not well suited for indoors - may be grown as a specialized crop.

What about Grow Lights? Grow lights are required to grow this crop indoors.