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Entire healthy mature eggplant plant in a real garden bed, showing growth habit and scale.Primary identification image. 60–90 cm tall, 45–60 cm wide at maturity.

Eggplant

Solanum melongena L.

Also called: Aubergine, Brinjal

Family
Solanaceae
Season
Warm-season tender perennial grown as an annual
Best grown in
Portland, Oregon

The most heat-demanding nightshade: a long, warm season, rich soil and protection from flea beetles while young.

Safety: Leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine; eat only ripe fruit.

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Life cycle & growth stages

  1. 1. SeedSow indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost with bottom heat.
  2. 2. SeedlingSlow emergence (10–14 days); needs warmth.
  3. 3. TransplantSet out when nights exceed 15 °C; stake immediately.
  4. 4. FloweringPurple star-shaped flowers.
  5. 5. Developing fruitFruit swells over 3–5 weeks.
  6. 6. Harvest readyGlossy skin, full size for cultivar.
  7. 7. HarvestCut with secateurs; keep picking to encourage more.

Growth stages are ordered chronologically; timing varies with cultivar, temperature, light and care.

Planting calendar for Portland, Oregon

Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost; transplant 2–4 weeks after last frost; 65–85 days to maturity from transplant. Windows are derived from the region's average frost dates (last Apr 5, first Nov 5) and are estimates until you confirm your own dates in the calendar.

EggplantSolanum melongena
PlantStart indoorsDirect sowAutumn sowTransplantTendHarvest
EggplantJan 25–Feb 8 (estimate)——Apr 19–May 3 (estimate)May 3–Jun 23 (estimate)Jun 23–Nov 5 (estimate)
  • Start seeds indoors: Jan 25 – Feb 8
  • Transplant outdoors: Apr 19 – May 3
  • Tend and monitor: May 3 – Jun 23
  • Harvest: Jun 23 – Nov 5

Spacing & support

In-row 45–60 cm; rows 75–90 cm. Planner footprint: 2 cells of 30 cm.

Side-profile diagram of mature eggplant: canopy 60–90 cm tall, 45–60 cm wide, medium root zone, support and harvest-access envelope.

Soil & water

Soil
Rich, well-drained, warm soil
pH
5.5–6.8
Fertility
high
Water
Regular deep watering; avoid drying out during fruit set.
Frost
tender; killed by frost

Support & training

Stake at transplanting. Install at planting so roots are not disturbed later.

Eggplant trained on its support: stake at transplanting.

Harvest signs

  • Glossy, taut skin
  • Flesh springs back when pressed
  • Cut the woody stem with secateurs
Eggplant at harvest readiness, showing the visual cues: glossy, taut skin; flesh springs back when pressed.

Common problems

Pests: flea beetles, Colorado potato beetle, aphids, spider mites

Diseases: Verticillium wilt, early blight

Appearance alone is not a diagnosis; confirm with a regional extension guide.

Side-by-side: healthy eggplant leaf or fruit and an example of Verticillium wilt.

Container growing

  • Minimum 20 L (35 cm deep)
  • Use quality potting mix and water more frequently
Mature eggplant in a correctly sized container (20 L or more) with drainage visible.

Companion overview

3 reviewed relationship records (evidence: low).

Supported or conditional

None reviewed

Avoid or separate

Potato

2 popular pairings reviewed with no verified relationship.

Full companion profile

Crop rotation

Avoid planting eggplant or other nightshade family crops in the same spot for 3 years. Rotation is about previous seasons, not about live neighbours.

Year 1Year 2Year 3SolanaceaeOther familyOther familyback after 3+ years

Shared risks in Solanaceae: late blight (Phytophthora infestans), early blight, Verticillium and Fusarium wilts.

Crop rotation hub

Sources, reviewer & update

Sources

Reviewer: Garden Planner editorial team (pending independent horticultural review)

Last reviewed: August 15, 2026 · version 1

Found an error or have feedback? Let us know.

Growing eggplant

Eggplant needs the same early indoor start as peppers and warmer conditions than tomatoes; in cool-summer climates it performs best in a greenhouse, a black-mulched bed or a large container against a warm wall.

Eggplant seed beside a ruler or coin for scale.
Eggplant seedling at cotyledon and first-true-leaf stage, in soil, distinguishable from common weeds.
Immature fruit of eggplant developing on the plant.

Plants reach 60–90 cm and carry heavy fruit, so stake them at transplanting. Flea beetles riddle young leaves with shot-holes; row cover until flowering is the most reliable protection. Colorado potato beetle also feeds on eggplant where it is present.

Two or more mature eggplant plants with a tape measure showing in-row spacing (45–60 cm).
Eggplant flower detail or bolting stage.
Immature fruit of eggplant developing on the plant.

Harvest when the skin is glossy and the fruit springs back slightly when pressed; dull skin means overmature, bitter, seedy fruit. Rotate with other nightshades.

Edible parts and safety

Edible: fruit. Leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine; eat only ripe fruit.

Hands or tool harvesting eggplant correctly (cut, pull, twist or pick) without damaging the plant.

Pests and diseases

Common pests: flea beetles, Colorado potato beetle, aphids, spider mites. Common diseases: Verticillium wilt, early blight. These vary by region; a photograph is an example, not a diagnosis. See the pest and disease guides and your local extension service.

flea beetles on eggplant, with a wider damage-context view.

Timeline

Season timeline for eggplant: sowing, transplanting, flowering, harvest and bed occupancy aligned to frost dates.Text alternative: Start seeds indoors Jan 25–Feb 8; Transplant outdoors Apr 19–May 3; Tend and monitor May 3–Jun 23; Harvest Jun 23–Nov 5.

Related plants

See also: Solanaceae family page · crop rotation · regional calendar · guides

Our Methodology & Sources

We synthesize peer-reviewed research, university extension publications, and trusted horticulture resources. Our evidence levels help you understand how strong the science is behind the guidance.

Evidence tiers

Supported evidenceConsistent results from multiple robust studies
Traditional claimHistorical use reported, limited scientific support
Context dependentMixed or variable results across conditions
No verified relationshipNo reliable evidence identified

Primary source types

  • Peer-reviewed journal articles
  • University extension publications
  • Government & research institute reports
  • Systematic reviews & meta-analyses

Last updated

August 24, 2026

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