Holly's Homestead — Nightshade
Eggplant
Solanum melongena · Nightshade family
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TYPE Tender perennial, grown as annual, seedling
MATURITY 70–90 days
TYPE Tender perennial, grown as annual, seedling
MATURITY 70–90 days
Sun
Full sun, warm
Water
Regular, deep
Soil pH
6.0–6.8
Spacing
45–60cm
Depth
as per seedling
01Stake heavy fruit
Eggplant fruit can be surprisingly heavy for the branch it grows on — stake plants at planting time to stop stems snapping once fruit sizes up.
02Planting
Method
Plant seedlings once soil and nights are reliably warm.
Soil
Rich, well-drained, high organic matter.
Timing
Plant in late spring, needs sustained warmth to thrive.
03Growing care
- Stake at planting.
- Water deeply and consistently — stress causes bitter fruit.
- Feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser once fruiting.
- Pinch out the growing tip early to encourage a bushier, more productive plant.
04Problems
- Fruit fly — net or bag developing fruit.
- Flea beetle — small holes in leaves, mostly on young plants; net if severe.
- Blossom end rot — irregular watering.
- Spider mite — fine webbing in hot, dry weather; hose foliage.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Skin is glossy and full colour; dull skin means past its best.
Method
Cut with secateurs, leaving the calyx attached.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge, about a week.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
BeansBasilMarigoldAvoid nearby
FennelRotation note
Avoid following other nightshades for 2–3 years.