GROWING SUMMARY​

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• Quick growing, frost tender perennial grown as an annual in temperate Australia. Also known as Aubergines.  

• To maximise production plant seedlings into the ground as soon as the last danger of frost is over. 

• Seeds are planted 6-8 weeks before transplanting into the garden. They need warmth to germinate (27-32°C) so in cold areas you will need to invest in a heat mat. 

• Eggplants need full sun, fertile, well drained soil with a pH of about 6.5. Not too much nitrogen which will promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit. They need adequate potassium (potash/wood ash) for health and productivity. Grow them in raised beds which warm up quicker in spring, stay warm later in the autumn and optimise drainage. 

• Set out with 500mm between plants, 750mm to a metre between rows. They are happy in a staggered double row on raised beds

• Drip irrigation will minimise weeds and fungal problems. It is important to keep the soil damp. 

• Eggfruit caterpillars are a common problem particularly towards the end of the season or if the plants become stressed. The moth lays its eggs on the calyx at the top of the fruit. When the caterpillars hatch they bore straight into the fruit in search of immature seeds. If necessary use a foliar insecticide. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT/Dipel) targets caterpillars specifically without harming beneficial insects. 

• The plants can become large and top heavy. This can be managed by light pruning and trellising.

• Once the fruit reaches the desired size harvest regularly to encourage more production. Fruit is ready when it is plump and well coloured. The skin should be really shiny. If the skin starts to look dull the seeds inside will start to harden and flowering will slow down and overal plant health deteriorate. Picked at their prime and used immediately eggplants have no bitterness and don't need to be salted before cooking.