According to a Japanese proverb, “The happiest omen for a new year is first Mount Fuji, then the falcon and lastly eggplant.” Although including eggplant in a prophecy might be rare, eggplant is grown around the world, and its names include mad apples, brinjal, guinea squash and aubergine. A member of the Solanaceae, or Nightshade, family, eggplant grows to a range of sizes. Whether you are a container gardener or plant in large garden beds, an eggplant cultivar is suited to your space.
Height and Spread
A perennial in the world’s tropics, eggplant usually grows as an annual in more temperate zones. Its growth habit is bushy and branching, and it has sturdy stalks. Although the plant can reach a height of 8 feet, you are more likely to see an eggplant that is 2 to 4 feet tall. A simple-to-grow cultivar such as “Black Beauty” stretches 24 to 30 inches in height and has a 16-inch spread. The much taller “Ichiban” cultivar, which produces long, cylindrical fruits, can reach 4 feet tall and have a 2- to 3-foot spread.
Easily recognized by its large, almost fuzzy leaves, eggplant produces star-shaped, violet flowers singly and in clusters. Self-pollinating and perfect, the flowers have yellow centers. The plant’s overall effect is ornamental. A standard eggplant produces shiny fruit varying from 5-inch globes to 12-inch oblongs reminiscent of hothouse cucumbers. Although you may find deep-purple eggplant fruits at your grocery store, eggplant varieties also produce rose, white, purplish-green and gold fruits. With a little luck, you might find striped and bi-colored eggplant fruits at a farmer’s market.
Eggplant is very sensitive to cold weather. When the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, throw a sheet over the plant to prevent damage. Very hot weather is also a problem; a temperature above 95 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the plant's flowers and fruits to drop. Eggplant thrives when it has five months of weather in the 70- to 85-degree Fahrenheit range, rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Ensure the best results by mulching the eggplant to maintain even soil moisture and side-dressing the plant with compost every two to three weeks until fruits set.
Pests, Diseases and Suggestions
Some of the fungal and bacterial diseases that affect eggplant, such as verticillium wilt, can be avoided by selecting resistant cultivars. Cutworms can chew through an eggplant stalk overnight; placing a collar around the plant stalk when you transplant the seedling to the garden will discourage them. Deal with potato bug and hookworm infestations by hosing the bugs off the plant or by removing them with your hand. With their potential to cause serious problems, flea beetles often are treated with an insecticidal spray.
- Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images