By Garry 
Eggplant (aubergine): sowing, planting, growing and harvesting
Learn when to sow, plant, care for and harvest eggplant (aubergine) in your garden.
🌱 Eggplant (aubergine) : key growing facts
📅 Growing calendar
Indicative Northern Hemisphere temperate-climate calendar only. Adjust to local frost dates, climate, variety and growing conditions. In the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are approximately six months later.
🔎 Growing specifications
🧺 Harvest readiness & expected yield
When to pick
Harvest when the edible part reaches the desired size and quality. Handle carefully and store promptly using methods suited to this crop.
What to expect
Varies by variety, climate and care
Indicative only; variety, climate and care affect harvests.🌿 How to grow successfully
🤝 Companion planting
Grow basil or low-growing greens nearby where space permits; provide each crop with adequate light and airflow.
↔️ What to avoid
Do not plant outdoors before frost risk has passed or crowd plants into poorly ventilated beds.
🐛 Pests and diseases
Watch for aphids, whitefly, mites and fungal disease.
🧤 Ongoing care
Stake where needed, mulch and water consistently at the base.
🧺 Harvest and storage
Pick ripe produce regularly and handle gently to prevent bruising.
🧑🌾 From sowing to harvest
Prepare the soil
Choose a sunny sheltered site; incorporate mature compost and install supports before roots spread.
Sow or transplant
Start seeds indoors with warmth and good light; harden plants off gradually before transplanting after frost.
What to monitor
Check flowers, fruit set, soil moisture and early signs of blight or insect damage.
When and how to harvest
Harvest when the edible part reaches the desired size and quality. Handle carefully and store promptly using methods suited to this crop.