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

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?
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???
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.
Showing 31 - 33 of 33 comments

Hi, I have sown seeds in seed trays and its been 20 days, no sign of any seedlings. Understand its still cold in Auckland, Just wanted to check if the seeds will germinate once its get warm or I should considers sowing seeds again when its gets warm?

- Srini K

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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.
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