Eggplant
Solanum melongena · Solanaceae
📷 Joydeep · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Feuilles, tiges et fruits très immatures contiennent des glycoalcaloïdes ; le fruit mûr consommé comme légume est bien moins concerné. Une ingestion importante peut causer des troubles digestifs chez chiens et chats.
The gardener's calendar
It's peak harvest for eggplant: pick regularly and at the right stage to boost production and extend the season.
ID card
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Plant type
- Annual herbaceous
- Adult height
- 60 to 80 cm
- Flowering
- June to July
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Water requirement
- High
- Foliage
- Deciduous (annual cycle)
- Origin
- Southeast Asia and India
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Eggplants are heavy water drinkers in summer: water deeply but infrequently (every 2–3 days max in heat waves), avoid shallow daily watering. Rich organic matter in the soil reduces irrigation needs.
The common mistake
Wetting the foliage and daily shallow watering: this creates the perfect conditions for powdery mildew and fungal diseases.
The pro's trick
Pinch the top of the main stem around mid-June to encourage branching and increase flower production.
Care
Exposure
Eggplant requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to fruit well. Place it in an open, warm location sheltered from strong winds. A south or southwest-facing exposure is ideal to guarantee abundant flowering and optimal fruit ripening.
Watering
Water regularly and generously, keeping the soil constantly moist but not waterlogged. During periods of intense heat, watering every 1 to 2 days may be necessary. Prefer watering at the base in the morning to prevent fungal diseases.
Soil and planting
Enrich the soil with compost or well-decomposed manure before planting. Eggplant prefers fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Regular additions of organic matter will promote good fruit production.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer or one rich in potassium and phosphorus every 3 to 4 weeks during the growth and fruiting period. Excess nitrogen would favor foliage at the expense of flowers and fruit.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch off the tips of main stems to encourage branching and better structure. Remove excess flowers or misshapen fruits to concentrate energy on the finest specimens. Eliminate diseased or yellowed leaves.
Diseases and pests
Watch for the appearance of gray mold, powdery mildew, or blight in cases of excessive humidity. Mites and aphids can also colonize the plant. Maintain good air circulation, avoid foliar watering, and apply preventive treatments if necessary.
Did you know?
The eggplant was nicknamed the 'apple of Sodom' in medieval Europe because it was believed to be toxic and dangerous. This bad reputation persisted for centuries, preventing its consumption in the West while it was already a common food in Asia and the Mediterranean since antiquity. It wasn't until the 18th century that Europeans began to discover its true culinary qualities.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.