Growing Eggplant, also Aubergine

Solanum sp. : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                S S    
                    T T

(Best months for growing Eggplant in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings

September: Bring on in pots - need a long growing season

  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 75°F and 90°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 24 - 30 inches apart
  • Harvest in 12-15 weeks. Cut fruit with scissors or sharp knife.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beans, capsicum, lettuce, amaranth, thyme
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
01 Nov 10, John Podevin (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have just planted some eggplant seedlings in the garden (we live in Napier). How long will it be before they can be harvested?
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Mar 09, Julian (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I am growing eggplant in Wellington in a plastic house. Plants seem healthy enough and keep putting out flowers but i only got one fruit from the very first flower on one of the plants. I started catching bumble bees and putting them in the plastic house to pollinate the flowers, but still no results. Any ideas???
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Jul 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Jan, Eggplants should do well in your area. Remember to keep them well watered, drying out stops growth and flower production. They may need staking, depending on variety.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 31 - 33 of 33 comments
See comments for all plants

If you live in Brisbane or similar subtropical you should be able to grow them year round. Mulch and slightly raised beds to keep soil temperature constant. Also try different varieties. Traditional big black grows best in spring. Try varegated purple or white varieties all year. Heavy fertilising or hot winds can cause dropped fruit. I've found full sun with western shade best position for long growth and moderate fruit. I think the gardenate planting times are a bit restrictive. If you get seedlings they are worth a try all year. They like free draining moderate heavy soil. Like 50%potting mix/ 50% mushroom or worm compost. Any brisbane black soil is good.

- Ian

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.