Also known as Asian Eggplant · Aubergine · Berenjena
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a warm-season vegetable grown for its glossy, often purple, fruits. It's a staple in many cuisines worldwide.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruiting.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging. Water deeply, especially during fruiting.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
100% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, ideal range is 21-29°C. Protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Heavy Feeder
75% intensity
Requires regular feeding with balanced fertilizer, switching to higher phosphorus/potassium during fruiting.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Eggplants are thirsty plants, especially during hot weather and fruit development. Water deeply and consistently, aiming for moist but not waterlogged soil.
Morning watering is ideal to allow foliage to dry before evening, reducing disease risk. Check soil moisture regularly; dry soil will stress the plant.
Pruning is generally minimal for eggplant. Remove any yellowing, dead, or diseased leaves promptly. Some growers may pinch back the growing tip when the plant is young to encourage bushier growth.
As fruits develop, thin out dense foliage to improve air circulation and light penetration.
Eggplants are typically grown from seed. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds about 0. 5 cm deep in a seed-starting mix. Maintain warm temperatures (24-29°C) for germination.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed.
Eggplant seedlings are usually transplanted directly into the garden or larger containers once they have developed a few sets of true leaves and the weather is suitable. If growing in containers, repot seedlings into larger containers as they grow to accommodate their root system and prevent them from becoming root-bound.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Where Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is found
Density
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10 known issues from plant disease data
Cucumber mosaic in Eggplant causes mottled, distorted leaves, stunted growth, and misshapen fruit that lowers plant quality and yield.
Anthracnose fruit rot in Eggplant causes sunken dark spots on fruit that enlarge, soften, and make harvested eggplants unmarketable.
White mold in Eggplant causes soft stem or fruit rot with cottony white growth, followed by wilting, collapse, and severe plant damage.
Blossom end rot in Eggplant causes a dark, sunken patch on the blossom end of fruit, making eggplants leathery, shrunken, and poor quality.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Solanum melongena |
Similar in genus Solanum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
