Eggplant
Solanum melongena
Also known as: aubergine, brinjal
Heat-loving nightshade producing glossy purple or white fruit. Needs long warm season and rich soil.
Growing Requirements
Planting Schedule
Start Indoors
8–10 weeks before last frost
Transplant Outdoors
2–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
7–14 days
Days to Harvest
65–85 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zones 3–11
Very frost sensitive. Use row covers or black plastic mulch to warm soil early in season.
Companion Plants
Good Companions (7)
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Repels aphids and spider mites from eggplant
Confidence: High
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Trap crop for flea beetles that heavily target eggplant
Confidence: High
Marigold
Tagetes spp.
Nematode suppression and general pest deterrent
Confidence: Medium
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Aromatic oils deter garden moths and flea beetles
Confidence: Medium
Green Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Beans fix nitrogen for heavy-feeding eggplant
Confidence: Medium
Garlic
Allium sativum
Repels aphids and spider mites from eggplant
Confidence: Medium
Spinach
Spinacia oleracea
Low ground cover retains moisture for eggplant
Confidence: Medium