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Eggplants, also known as aubergines, are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be easily grown in Australian gardens. They are a warm-season crop, so it is important to wait until after the last frost before planting. In warmer climates, eggplants can be grown all year round, but it is best to avoid planting during the hottest months of summer. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of growing eggplants from seeds, including soil preparation, planting, care, and harvesting. We will also discuss common pests and diseases that can affect eggplant plants and provide tips on how to manage them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | Full sun with at least 6 hours of sunlight each day |
| Soil | Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, compost, and manure |
| Soil Temperature | 24-32°C for germination |
| Soil Moisture | Moist but not wet or dry |
| Plant Spacing | 50-80 cm between plants, with rows 60-100 cm apart |
| Frost | Sensitive to frost; do not transplant until all danger of frost has passed |
| Climate | Suitable for all climatic zones; best grown in spring and summer in temperate and cool climates |
| Container Size | Minimum of 40 litres for containers |
| Fertiliser | Regular fertiliser application, especially during the growing season |
| Support | Staking, trellis, or tripod for support |
| Pests | Fruit flies, whiteflies, aphids, mites, and root-knot nematodes |
| Harvest | 12-14 weeks after planting, when the skin is firm and glossy |
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What You'll Learn
Soil preparation and position
Eggplants are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be easily grown in Australian gardens. They can be grown in the ground or in containers. If you're growing them in the ground, prepare the garden bed at least a couple of weeks before planting. Choose a spot in full sun with well-drained soil. Eggplants need at least six hours of full sun each day.
Before planting, improve the soil by weeding thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding organic matter such as compost and well-rotted manure. A dusting of dolomite or gypsum will boost the soil's calcium levels, helping to prevent blossom end rot. In poor-quality soils, you can add more manure, compost, or a certified organic pelletised fertiliser. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
If you're growing eggplants in containers, use a good-quality potting mix and make sure your container is large enough for mature plants—a minimum of 40 litres is recommended. During the growing season, container-grown plants may need additional fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.
In warm and subtropical zones, eggplants can be grown year-round, but they are best grown over spring and summer in temperate and cool climates. In temperate regions, it's recommended to plant eggplants in spring, after the last frost date has passed. In cooler areas, start eggplants indoors or in a greenhouse during late winter or early spring, transplanting the seedlings outdoors once the risk of frost has passed, typically in September or October.
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When and how to sow
Eggplants are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be easily grown in Australian gardens. They can be grown from seeds, punnet seedlings, or advanced grafted plants.
In tropical and subtropical regions, eggplants can be planted throughout the year, as long as the temperature remains consistently warm. However, it is best to avoid planting during the hottest months of summer. In temperate regions, it is recommended to plant eggplants in spring, after the last frost date has passed, usually from September to November. For cool and alpine regions, it is best to start eggplants indoors or in a greenhouse during late winter or early spring. The ideal time to transplant seedlings outdoors is when the risk of frost has passed, typically in September or October.
To sow the seeds, fill trays, punnets, or small pots with a good quality seed-raising mix or use soil starter pellets. Sow seeds 5mm deep. Keep the soil moist but never wet or dry. Seeds should germinate in around 7-14 days at a soil temperature of 24-32°C. Transplant the seedlings when they are around 6-8 cm high and have their first true leaves. Space the plants 50-80 cm apart, with rows 60-100 cm apart. Eggplants need regular watering during the growing season.
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How to manage pests and diseases
Eggplants are susceptible to some pests, diseases, and other problems. Regularly inspect the plants for any signs of damage or disease, and promptly address any issues.
Blossom end rot
Blossom end rot is a physiological disorder that causes the base of the fruit to become sunken and watery. It is caused by a lack of calcium in the soil and inconsistent watering. To prevent blossom end rot, apply dolomite or gypsum when preparing the soil for planting, and again halfway through the growing season to boost calcium levels. Water plants deeply, regularly, and consistently.
Whitefly
Whiteflies are a common problem but are easily treated with OCP eco-oil. Be sure to spray at the first sign of pests to keep numbers under control.
Aphids
Aphids are small (2-4mm long) sap-sucking insects that congregate on the new shoots or the undersides of leaves. They can cause leaves to wilt or become discoloured and also excrete honeydew, which can attract ants and other insect pests. To manage aphids, remove them by spraying with a garden hose, apply a soap or alcohol spray, or encourage predatory insects to your garden.
Queensland Fruit Fly
Queensland Fruit Fly (Bactrocera tryoni) lays its eggs in fruit, causing it to rot from the inside. Fruit will fall prematurely, and larvae can be seen if the affected fruit is cut open. Practice good garden hygiene by disposing of fallen fruit, protect fruit with insect exclusion netting, and install traps to monitor fruit fly populations.
Cutworms
Cutworms are moth larvae that live in the soil, emerging at night to feed. They are 3-4cm long and white, grey, or brown in colour. They can chew through the stems of tender seedlings, felling them at ground level. Physically exclude pests by using netting or cages or try spraying plants with a pungent homemade spray made from garlic, fish oil, or mustard.
Fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt
Fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt are diseases caused by soil-borne fungi. The fungi enter a plant's roots and prevent water and nutrients from moving through the plant. Leaves and branches will wilt, dry off and die, and leaves may yellow. There is no cure for wilt, but choosing resistant varieties, disposing of affected plants and soil, practicing good garden hygiene, and crop rotation will all help to prevent it from spreading.
To further prevent pests and diseases, practice crop rotation and companion planting. Grafted eggplants are also said to be more disease-resistant.
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How to support the plant
Eggplants need support to grow, so it is important to provide this when you sow the seeds or transplant the seedlings to avoid disturbing the plant's roots later.
You can support the plant by staking it. Drive a strong, sturdy stake into the ground approximately 5cm away from the plant and secure it with a garden tie. Taller varieties (greater than 50cm) require staking to support the stems and keep the fruit off the ground. Compact varieties (less than 50cm tall) do not require staking.
You can also grow eggplants alongside a trellis or tripod. As the plants grow, gently tie the stems to the support using twine or plant ties.
Eggplants are susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is important to monitor the plants and take appropriate measures to manage them. Whitefly, for example, can be treated with OCP eco-oil. Aphids and mites can be controlled with sprays of horticultural oil. Root-knot nematodes are tiny worm-like creatures that distort and damage roots, so focus on prevention by applying OCP eco-nemguard when planting.
Fruit fly maggots are another pest that loves warmer climates, so if you're in a warmer area, be sure to practice good garden hygiene by removing any fallen or infested fruits.
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When and how to harvest
Eggplants are usually ready to harvest 12 to 14 weeks after planting, or 70 to 120 days after planting, depending on the source. In terms of size, the common eggplant variety should be harvested when the fruits are around 8 cm long and no longer than 18-20 cm. The skin should be firm and glossy, but they should be harvested before the seeds harden and brown.
To harvest, use a sharp knife or secateurs to cut the stem, leaving a short stem attached to the fruit. The fruits are attached to the plant by a tough cap, so twisting them off can damage the fruit and stem. Regular picking encourages a longer season, so harvesting a little at a time is the best strategy as the fruits do not store well and should be used as soon as possible.
In tropical and subtropical regions, eggplants can be planted throughout the year, as long as the temperature remains consistently warm. However, it’s best to avoid planting during the hottest months of summer. In temperate regions, it’s recommended to plant eggplants in spring, after the last frost date has passed. This is usually from September to November. In cooler areas and alpine regions, it’s best to start eggplants indoors or in a greenhouse during late winter or early spring, typically in September or October.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to plant eggplant seeds in Australia depends on the climate in your region. In tropical and subtropical regions, eggplants can be planted throughout the year, as long as the temperature remains consistently warm. Avoid the hottest months of summer. In temperate regions, it is recommended to plant eggplants in spring, after the last frost date has passed (usually from September to November). In cool and alpine regions, start eggplants indoors or in a greenhouse during late winter or early spring, and transplant the seedlings outdoors once the risk of frost has passed, typically in September or October.
Eggplants need well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost and well-rotted manure. The soil should be prepared by weeding, digging, and loosening it. Keep the area free of weeds before planting. Eggplants prefer warm soil for germination, so consider using a heating tray or choosing a warm spot.
Plant eggplant seeds approximately 5mm deep in trays, punnets, or pots filled with a good quality seed-raising mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and maintain a soil temperature of 24-32°C for optimal germination.
Water eggplant plants regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Consistent watering helps reduce the chance of blossom end rot and prevents flowers or fruit from dropping prematurely. Avoid overhead watering to minimise fungal problems. Spread an organic mulch around the root zone to retain moisture and control weeds.
Eggplants are susceptible to pests and diseases common to tomatoes. Fruit flies and root-knot nematodes can be problematic. Whitefly, aphids, and mites can also be an issue. Regularly inspect your plants and take appropriate measures to manage infestations. Companion planting and crop rotation can help reduce the likelihood of pest and disease issues.
