Eggplant Seeds - Long Purple - Solanum melongena

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 4-11 - Grown as a heat-loving annual in all listed zones. Success depends on starting seeds at the right time to take advantage of the warmest part of the year. Eggplants thrive in heat and require a long growing season.

Best Performance in Zones 5-9 - These zones typically offer the long, hot summers that eggplants crave, allowing for maximum fruit production and a long harvest window from mid-summer until the first frost.

Northern/Cooler Zones (4-5) - Starting seeds indoors is essential. Begin 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost date. Use a heating mat to keep the soil warm and consider using row covers or black plastic mulch after transplanting to retain soil heat and give plants a strong start.

Hot Climate Zones (9-11) - Plant in early spring for a summer crop or, in areas with scorching mid-summer heat (like desert regions), plant in late summer for a fantastic fall and early winter harvest. Provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture if temperatures regularly exceed 95 degrees F.

Soil Temperature for Germination - This is critical for eggplant. Seeds will not sprout in cold soil. The soil must be at least 75 degrees F for reliable germination, with an optimal range of 80-90 degrees F. A seedling heat mat is highly recommended for best results.

Growing Season - Requires at least 100-120 frost-free days from seed to produce a full crop. In shorter-season climates, using transplants is key to ensuring you get a harvest.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When and Where to Plant
Eggplants are sun worshippers and demand heat. For the best results, start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last average frost date. Direct sowing is only recommended in climates with very long, hot growing seasons (Zones 9+).

Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct, full sunlight per day. The soil should be fertile, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. Amend your soil with aged compost or a balanced organic fertilizer before planting.

How to Sow Seeds
Start Indoors: Fill seedling pots or trays with a quality seed-starting mix. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep.

Provide Warmth: Moisten the soil and cover the tray with a plastic dome to retain humidity. Crucially, place the tray on a seedling heat mat set to 80-90 degrees F. Germination can be slow and sporadic in cooler soil. Seeds should sprout in 7-14 days.

Give Them Light: As soon as seedlings emerge, remove the plastic dome and place them under strong grow lights or in a very sunny south-facing window. Lights should be kept just a few inches above the seedlings and run for 14-16 hours per day.

Transplanting into the Garden
Harden Off: About 1-2 weeks before you plan to plant them outside, you must acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions. This process is called "hardening off." Start by placing them in a sheltered, shady spot for an hour, gradually increasing their exposure to sun and wind over the course of 7-10 days.

Wait for Warmth: Do not rush to transplant! Wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees F and the soil is thoroughly warm. Cold temperatures will stunt their growth.

Planting: Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 30-36 inches apart. Plant them at the same depth they were in their containers.

Water & Mulch: Water them in well after planting. Apply a layer of organic mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil warm.

Ongoing Care
Watering: Provide consistent moisture, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week, especially during fruit development. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out.

Fertilizing: Feed your plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks once they begin to set fruit to support their heavy production.

Support: While plants are sturdy, they can get heavy when loaded with fruit. It's a good idea to stake the main stem to prevent it from bending or breaking in the wind.

Pests: Keep an eye out for flea beetles (which create tiny "shotgun" holes in leaves) and Colorado potato beetles. Row covers can be used early in the season to protect young plants.

Harvesting
Harvest fruits when they reach 6-10 inches long and their skin is a uniform, glossy dark purple. If the skin looks dull or the fruit feels soft, it is likely overripe and may be bitter. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving about an inch of the stem attached. Harvest frequently to encourage the plant to produce more! 🍆