How To Grow Aubergine Plants

You can grow aubergine plants successfully by giving them plenty of warmth, sunlight, and a long growing season.
 
Aubergines, also known as eggplants, are heat-loving vegetables that thrive when you grow aubergine plants in rich soil and keep them consistently watered.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to grow aubergine plants from seed or from transplants, the good news is that it’s very doable even for a beginner gardener.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to grow aubergine plants, from choosing the right spot to harvesting your crop.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How to Grow Aubergine Plants: The Basics

Growing aubergine plants starts with understanding what they actually need to thrive.
 
Aubergines originate from warm climates, so they love heat and absolutely hate the cold.
 
When you grow aubergine plants, your main goal is to recreate that warm, sunny environment as closely as possible.
 
The great thing is that once you know the basics of how to grow aubergine plants, the rest just falls into place.
 
Here’s what matters most:
 

1. Warmth Is Everything

Aubergine plants need temperatures between 70°F and 85°F to grow well.
 
If it drops below 50°F, your aubergine plants will slow down or even stop growing altogether.
 
That’s why timing matters so much when you grow aubergine plants outdoors.
 

2. Full Sunlight

Give your aubergine plants at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
 
The more sun, the better your aubergine plants will produce fruit.
 
A sunny spot against a south-facing wall is often the perfect place to grow aubergine plants in cooler regions.
 

3. Rich, Well-Draining Soil

Aubergine plants are heavy feeders, so they need nutrient-rich soil that drains well.
 
Mix in plenty of compost before planting to give your aubergine plants a strong start.
 
Good drainage matters because soggy roots can quickly kill aubergine plants.
 

How to Grow Aubergine Plants From Seed

If you want to grow aubergine plants from seed, start early because they need a long season.
 
Sow your aubergine seeds indoors about eight to ten weeks before the last frost date.
 
Press the seeds lightly into moist seed-starting mix and keep them warm, ideally around 75°F.
 
Aubergine seeds can take up to two weeks to germinate, so be patient.
 
Once seedlings appear, give them plenty of light to prevent them from getting leggy.
 
When you grow aubergine plants from seed, a heat mat really helps speed up germination.
 

1. Harden Them Off Gradually

Before moving your aubergine plants outside, harden them off over a week or two.
 
Start by placing them outdoors for just an hour a day, then gradually increase the time.
 
Rushing this step can shock your aubergine plants and set them back weeks.
 

2. Transplant When It’s Warm Enough

Only transplant your aubergine plants once nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F.
 
Space them about 18 to 24 inches apart to give each aubergine plant room to spread.
 
Water them in well after transplanting to help them settle.
 

Caring for Aubergine Plants as They Grow

Once your aubergine plants are in the ground, consistent care keeps them productive.
 
Water deeply once or twice a week rather than little and often.
 
This encourages strong roots in your aubergine plants.
 
Feed your aubergine plants every couple of weeks with a balanced fertilizer once flowers appear.
 
Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down.
 

1. Watch Out for Pests

Aphids, flea beetles, and spider mites love aubergine plants.
 
Check the undersides of leaves regularly and treat any infestations early.
 
Healthy aubergine plants resist pests far better than stressed ones.
 

2. Support the Stems

As aubergine plants grow taller and start producing fruit, the stems can become top-heavy.
 
Stake your aubergine plants or use a cage to keep them upright.
 
This also keeps the fruit off the ground, where it can rot.
 

3. Pinch and Prune

Pinching off the growing tip can encourage bushier growth in your aubergine plants.
 
Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to improve airflow.
 
Pruning also helps direct energy toward the fruit rather than excess foliage.
 

Harvesting Aubergine Plants

Your aubergine plants are ready to harvest about 65 to 80 days after transplanting.
 
The fruit should be firm, glossy, and about six to eight inches long.
 
Don’t wait too long, because overripe aubergines turn dull and bitter.
 
Cut the fruit off with a sharp knife rather than pulling it, since this protects the aubergine plant.
 
Keep harvesting regularly to encourage your aubergine plants to keep producing more fruit.
 

So, How Do You Grow Aubergine Plants?

You grow aubergine plants by giving them warmth, full sun, rich soil, and steady moisture from start to finish.
 
Whether you grow aubergine plants from seed or buy transplants, the key is keeping them warm and well-fed throughout the season.
 
Start them early indoors, harden them off gently, and give them the sunlight they crave.
 
With a little patience, your aubergine plants will reward you with glossy, delicious fruit you can enjoy all summer long.