A heat-lover in the nightshade family. Even fussier about warmth than its cousins tomato and pepper.
When to plant eggplant where you live
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Full sun
Zones 4–11
18–24 in apart, rows 30 in apart.
Rich, well-draining soil; pH 5.8–6.8.
Deep, even 1–2 in/week. Mulch to hold warmth and moisture.
May – Jun
Jul – Sep
Start seed indoors 8 weeks before last frost; transplant only once nights stay above 60°F. Harvest when the skin is glossy and the fruit still springs back to a press; dull skin means it is overripe and seedy.
Good with Bush bean, Pepper, Marigold, Thyme. Keep apart from Fennel.
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