How to Grow Eggplant

Start Eggplant seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

Eggplant typically matures in about 70 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Eggplant should be started indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

Eggplant requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.

Space Eggplant plants 24 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

Eggplant has regular (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Eggplant is rated easy. Leave fruit on the plant well past edible stage — it will turn yellow-brown and overripen. Cut overripe fruit, scoop seeds into water, let viable seeds sink, rinse and dry flat.

Properly dried and stored Eggplant seeds remain viable for up to 4 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Yes — Eggplant is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.