Propagate by seed

Germination temperature: 60 F to 95 F - Germinates best between 80 F and 90 F.

Days to emergence: 7 to 10 - At 85 F.

Seed can be saved 4 years.

Start inside about 6 weeks before last frost date (or about 8 weeks before expected transplanting). Plant 1/4 inch deep in flats or cell-type containers. Keep soil warm (about 80 F to 90 F if possible) until emergence. Eggplant will not germinate in cool soil.

Harden off plants carefully before transplanting by reducing temperature and water.

Wait until weather has settled, all chance of frost has passed and soil is in the 60s F before transplanting, perhaps 2 to 3 weeks after the average last frost date. Cool conditions can weaken plants. Frost will kill them.

Consider using raised beds or black plastic mulch to warm soil and speed early-season growth. If using organic mulches to help retain moisture, do not apply until the soil has warmed.

Set transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 30 to 36 inches apart.

Use row covers to protect plants from pests.

If season is cool, fruit set may be inconsistent. Plants with heavy fruit set benefit from staking.

Eggplants are heavy feeders, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. They may encourage lush foliage growth at the expense of fruit.

Pinch off blossoms 2 to 4 weeks before first expected frost so that plants channel energy into ripening existing fruit, not producing new ones.

To help reduce disease, do not plant eggplants or other tomato-family crops in the same location more than once every three or four years.

Aphids - A hard stream of water can be used to remove aphids from plants. Wash off with water occasionally as needed early in the day. Check for evidence of natural enemies such as gray-brown or bloated parasitized aphids and the presence of alligator-like larvae of lady beetles and lacewings.

Flea beetles - Use row covers to help protect plants from early damage. Put in place at planting and remove before temperatures get too hot or plants start to flower.

Colorado potato beetles - Handpick beetles, larvae and eggs.

Cutworms - Use cardboard collars around transplants it cutworms are a problem.

Verticillium wilt - Most serious disease of eggplant. Set into soil never planted to tomatoes, peppers, or strawberries. If you cannot, locate new plants in a part of the garden different from previous year's location, or plant in containers.

Browse eggplant varieties at our Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners website.

Heat-loving eggplants may be difficult to grow successfully in cooler regions of the state. Look for short-season varieties that will fruit under cool New York conditions.

Asian varieties are usually long and thin. Their skins are often thin enough that they don't need peeling.

Varieties recommended for New York include:

Early varieties:

Ichiban
Dusky
Little Fingers

Midseason varieties:

Black Beauty
Classic
Ghostbuster
Neon