Eggplant

Solanum melongena

Glossy, versatile vegetable that thrives in hot weather. Many shapes and colors available.

Quick Facts

Sun:☀️ Full Sun

Water:💧💧 Moderate

USDA Zones:Zones 5–11

Space:🪴 Container, 🌱 Small Bed, 🏡 Large Garden

Soil:Loam, Silty, Sandy

Best Season(s):Spring, Summer

Experience Level:🌿 Intermediate

Native Range:South & East Asia

Bloom Color:Purple, star-shaped flowers (grown for fruit)

Bloom Cycle:Continuous through summer as fruit sets

Days to Harvest:65–80 days

Harvest Pattern:Continuous / cut-and-come-again

Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Harvest when skin is glossy — dull skin means overripe.

💧 Hydroponic Notes

Works well in DWC or ebb & flow with large containers. Needs warm temps (70–85°F) and strong lighting. Support branches as fruit develops.

Ripe fruit is fine, but leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine like other nightshades — keep pets from browsing the plant.

Informational only — always check with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has eaten something it shouldn't have.

Loading…