Solanum melongena

Sowing and cultivation guidance

Solanum melongena seeds thrive with warmth and light. Start indoors with gentle heat well before the last frost, sowing into a free-draining, fertile mix; keep evenly moist and provide full sun or strong light. Harden off and transplant after the last frost, only when nights are reliably warm and the soil is well warmed. Set plants into rich, well‑drained soil in full sun, mulch to retain consistent moisture, and water at the base. Provide generous spacing for airflow (follow packet guidance) and stake or cage the medium‑tall, bushy plants. Feed regularly during active growth and remove any cold-damaged blossoms early.

• Start indoors with gentle heat; transplant after last frost into well-warmed soil.
• Provide full sun, rich, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture; space generously for airflow.
• In mild or frost-free climates, sow or transplant once conditions are settled and warm.
• Suitable for large containers with fertile, free-draining media and steady warmth.
• Grown for edible fruits; harvest when glossy, firm, and appropriately sized for the variety.

How do you grow Solanum melongena from seed?

Sow Solanum melongena seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in a sterile seed-starting mix kept evenly moist and warm. Bottom heat of 25–30°C speeds germination, which typically takes 7–14 days. Provide bright light immediately, keeping seedlings at 20–24°C with good airflow to discourage damping-off. When 2–3 true leaves appear, pot on into a rich, free-draining mix and maintain steady growth without cold checks. Grow on in full sun, avoid overwatering, and feed lightly once established. Handle plants gently; foliage and green parts are not for eating. Start indoors in most climates; direct sowing succeeds only where soils warm early and stay warm.

When should you start eggplant seeds indoors?

Start eggplant seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost so transplants are sturdy by the time outdoor soil is thoroughly warm. Germination and early growth are fastest with gentle bottom heat; aim for media temperatures near 25–30°C. In mild or frost-free climates, sow or transplant once conditions are settled, nights are reliably warm, and soil warmth is consistent. In very warm climates, direct sowing can work once soil is at least 18–21°C, though starting in trays still offers a head start and uniformity. Avoid cold drafts and fluctuations, which slow growth and delay flowering.

How do you transplant aubergine after the last frost?

Transplant aubergine after the last frost when nights stay above about 13–15°C and the soil has warmed well. Harden off for 7–10 days by gradually increasing outdoor exposure. Plant into rich, well-drained soil in full sun, firming the root ball level with the surface or just slightly deeper for stability. Space generously for airflow, water in with lukewarm water, and mulch to retain moisture and warmth. Protect early plantings with cloches or row covers during cool spells. Avoid transplanting into cold, wet ground, which can stunt plants and reduce yields long after conditions improve.

What is the best soil mix for eggplant containers?

For container-grown eggplant, choose a pot of at least 15–20 litres with ample drainage and a dark surface that warms quickly. Fill with a high-quality, peat-free potting mix enriched with well-rotted compost and perlite for structure; aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The ideal medium is rich yet free-draining, holding consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. Incorporate a slow-release, balanced fertiliser at planting and top up with liquid feeds as growth accelerates. Mulch the surface to moderate temperature and reduce evaporation, and position containers in maximum sun with shelter from cold winds.

What spacing and support do eggplant plants need in the garden?

In the garden, give eggplant plants generous spacing for airflow and light penetration; 45–60 cm between plants, with wider gaps in humid conditions, is typical. Plants are medium-tall and bushy, so simple stakes, soft ties, or a small cage help support heavy fruit and prevent branches from snapping. Train to a few sturdy stems and remove any leaves that touch the soil to reduce splash-borne disease. Keep the bed weed-free and mulched to stabilise moisture and soil temperature. Follow packet guidance for variety-specific height and spread, as compact types and vigorous types differ noticeably.

What tips help with flowering and fruit set in eggplant?

Flowering and fruit set in eggplant are best in full sun with steady warmth and moisture. Aim for daytime temperatures around 24–32°C and mild nights; prolonged cold or extreme heat can cause flower drop or misshapen fruit. Keep soil evenly moist with deep, regular watering and mulch to reduce swings; avoid drought followed by saturation. Feed with a balanced fertiliser; excessive nitrogen favours leaves over blossoms, while a potassium-rich boost at budding can help. Eggplant flowers are self-fertile; gentle shaking of plants or visits from pollinators improve set. Manage common stresses—wind exposure, root disturbance, and pests such as flea beetles or aphids—early, and remove the first few blossoms on small plants to build stronger frameworks.

Guidance provided here is general and intended for a wide range of conditions. Actual timing and techniques—such as sowing after the last frost or when soil is workable—may vary with microclimate, soil type, and local weather patterns. Product pages include specific, item-level instructions with source information and compliance details, which take precedence over sitewide guidance to reflect each variety’s characteristics and recommended cultivation practices.

Warm-season cultivation guidelines

Solanum melongena seeds prefer steady warmth and bright light. Sow 0.5–1 cm deep in a clean, well-drained seed mix when soil is workable, typically indoors ahead of the last frost. Maintain 24–30°C for germination; gentle bottom heat encourages uniform sprouting in 7–14 days. Pot on once true leaves appear, keeping seedlings compact under strong light to prevent legginess. Harden off after the last frost when nights remain above 15°C and soil has warmed. Space 45–60 cm apart in a sunny, sheltered bed with fertile, moisture-retentive yet free-draining soil, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Mulch to conserve warmth and even moisture. Stake taller cultivars to support fruit load, and water at the base to keep foliage dry. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible for protected culture. Regular removal of spent blossoms and timely harvesting can help maintain continued set. Further seed details and variety options are available at SeedsChoice.