Growing Eggplant

Eggplants (Solanum melongena) are warm-season vegetables that thrive in Missouri’s Zone 6b-7a climate. To ensure a successful harvest, consider the following guidelines tailored for this region.

1. Choosing the Right Variety
   • Recommended Varieties for Missouri:
     • Classic Purple: Elongated fruits, 76 days to harvest.
     • Dusky: Bell-shaped fruits, 56 days to harvest.
     • Epic: Bell-shaped fruits, 65 days to harvest.
     • Ichiban: Elongated fruits, 60 days to harvest.
     • Fairy Tale: Purple and white striped, elongated fruits, 65 days to harvest.
     • Ghostbuster: White, oval-shaped fruits, 80 days to harvest.extension.missouri.edu
2. Planting Time
   • Indoor Sowing:
     • Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost.
   • Transplanting Outdoors:
     • After the last frost date, when soil temperatures reach 70°F (21°C).
   • Direct Sowing:
     • Not recommended; transplanting provides better control over growth conditions.
   • Regional Planting Dates:
     • North Missouri: May 15 to June 15.
     • Central Missouri: May 10 to June 15.
     • South Missouri: May 1 to June 25.extension.missouri.edu
3. Site Selection & Soil Preparation
   • Sunlight Requirements:
     • Full sun exposure (6-8 hours daily) is optimal.
   • Soil Requirements:
     • Well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
     • Incorporate organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage.
4. Planting Instructions
   • Spacing:
     • Space plants 18 to 36 inches apart, with rows 4 to 5 feet apart.
   • How to Plant:
     • Transplant seedlings at the same depth as their containers.
     • Ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged.
5. Watering & Maintenance
   • Watering Needs:
     • Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during fruit development.
     • Use drip irrigation to minimize foliage wetting and reduce disease risk.
   • Mulching:
     • Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
6. Companion Planting Benefits
   • Good Companions:
     • Beans, peas, and marigolds can benefit nearby eggplants by improving growth and deterring pests.
   • Avoid Planting Near:
     • Fennel, as it can inhibit eggplant growth.
7. Pests & Diseases
   • Common Pests:
     • Colorado Potato Beetle: Hand-pick or use appropriate insecticides.
     • Aphids: Use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators.
   • Common Diseases:
     • Verticillium Wilt: Rotate crops and select resistant varieties.
     • Early Blight: Apply fungicides as preventive measures.
8. Harvesting & Uses
   • Harvesting:
     • Pick fruits when they reach full color and are firm to the touch.
     • Use a sharp knife to avoid damaging the plant.
   • Uses:
     • Eggplants are versatile in culinary applications, including grilling, roasting, and stewing.
9. Winter Protection & Overwintering
   • Eggplants are sensitive to frost and cannot survive Missouri winters.
   • Seed Saving:
     • Collect seeds from healthy fruits before the first frost.
     • Store seeds in a cool, dry place for planting the following season.
10. Missouri-Specific Considerations
    • Heat Tolerance:
      • Eggplants are sensitive to extreme heat; provide afternoon shade during peak summer months.
    • Humidity & Disease Risk:
      • High humidity can promote fungal diseases; ensure proper spacing and airflow.
11. Summary of Key Tips
    • Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
    • Transplant outdoors after soil temperatures reach 70°F.
    • Provide full sun and well-drained soil with proper spacing.
    • Maintain consistent moisture and monitor for pests and diseases.
    • Harvest when fruits are fully colored and firm.