Vegetables· Solanum melongena

Eggplant Growing Guide

Warm-season nightshade fruit used as a vegetable worldwide. Many shapes and colors. Important in Mediterranean, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

How Long Does Eggplant Take to Grow?

Eggplant is typically ready to harvest about 70 days after planting.

Days to Harvest

18,510

kg/hectare

moderate

Water Needs

full sun

Sun Needs

FAO. 2025. FAOSTAT: Production: Crops and livestock products. Accessed on 13 October 2026. https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL Licence: CC-BY-4.0.

Growing Conditions

Temperature

22-30°C optimal

Frost Tolerance

none

Drought Tolerance

moderate

Heat Tolerance

moderate

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: loam, sandy loam

pH range: 5.5 - 6.8 (optimal: 6.2)

Drainage: excellent

Planting Guide

Planting Methods

transplanting

Planting Depth

1 cm

Plant Spacing

60 cm apart, 90 cm rows

Planting Season

spring

Yield & Economics

Yield Range

1,850 - 543,000 kg/ha

Market Demand

stable

Profitability

high

Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

flea beetles
aphids
Colorado potato beetle
spider mites

Common Diseases

Verticillium wilt
Phytophthora blight
bacterial wilt

Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.

Growing Tips

Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost — needs warm soil

Harvest when skin is glossy; dull skin indicates overripe and bitter flesh

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Eggplant take to grow?

Eggplant typically takes 70 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 10 days. The best planting season is spring.

What soil does Eggplant need?

Eggplant grows best in loam, sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.5-6.8. Excellent drainage is required.

What temperature does Eggplant need?

Eggplant grows best at 22-30°C. Frost tolerance: none. Heat tolerance: moderate.

What is the expected yield for Eggplant?

Across 96 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Eggplant range from 1,850 to 543,000 kg/hectare, with a median of 18,510. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.