When to Plant Eggplant Seeds
Eggplant seeds germinate at temperatures between 60 and 95 degrees F. Most areas will require seeds to be started indoors, 8-10 weeks before your last frost in the spring.
Where to Plant Eggplant Seeds
Choose an area that is well-draining and gets the most sun.
How to Plant Eggplant Seeds
Sow eggplant seeds small pots, ¼ inch deep. Water, cover loosely with a plastic bag or a plastic seedling flat cover to retain moisture. Place them in a warm area, as a good amount of heat if preferred. Keep the seedlings moist, and you’ll likely see condensation on the plastic. If not, lightly mist the seeds to prevent dislodging them. They can germinate without extra heat, but will take additional time. Germination takes generally 7-14 days, and then you’ll remove the plastic and place the pots under bright lights or by a bright window. Transplanting to larger pots is sometimes necessary before you’ll be ready to bring them outside. Continue to keep them moist as they grow for the next 8-10 weeks until soil temperatures outside reach about 60 degrees F. Harden off the seedlings, and then plant in your garden. Eggplants may require staking to keep them upright while growing.
How to Harvest Eggplants
Harvest when skin looks glossy. At this point the fruit will likely stop growing larger – about 2-3 months after initial planting, depending on variety. Cut the eggplant off its vine with some shears. It should only have a short stem once removed.
