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INFORMATION FROM KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

Eggplant

Dr. Leigh Whittinghill, Assistant Professor of Urban Agriculture

Planting

• Eggplants are best started as transplants. Plant seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch 6 to 8 weeks before desired planting date.
• Plant transplants between May 1 and July 1, May 10 and June 15, and May 15 and June 1 for Western, Central, and Eastern Kentucky.
• Transplants should be spaced 18 inches apart.
• If planting a container, it should contain 4-5 gallons per plant.

Care and Harvest

• Water about 1 inch per week (including rain). Take extra care to uniformly supply water from flowering to harvest.
• An additional 5 tablespoons of a high nitrogen fertilizer per 10 ft of row can be applied after first fruit set.
• Eggplants are ready for harvest 50-60 days after the seeds were planted. Removing mature fruit quickly can encourage more production.
• Harvest before they lose their glossy color. This, and dark seeds are signs of over maturity, which can mean that the eggplant has a spongy texture.
• Cut fruit from the plant so that the branches are not damaged.
• Eggplant bruise easily, so handle them carefully.