Growing Eggplant in Oregon & Washington

Grown in its native tropical climate, the eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a perennial. In temperate areas like the Pacific Northwest however, it is grown as an annual.
Named for its egg-shaped hanging fruits, the bushy plant was originally cultivated as an ornamental in Asia. With its striking foliage and showy fruits, the eggplant still makes an ideal container plant.
Modern plants produce fruit in a large variety of colors, shapes and sizes: purple, white, red, and yellow, round, oblong and cylindrical. Each bush typically produces three to six fruits weighing from one to three pounds each.
The eggplant is a heat-lover, optimally needing a long season of 80-90 degree days. Northwest gardeners will be most successful with short-season (60 days) smaller fruited types.
Commonly sliced, battered and fried, eggplant can also be used in lasagna and casseroles. (Try it baked with egg, cheese, tomato, and peppers.) Eggplant also makes delicious Baba Ghanoush, a creamy Middle-Eastern dip.

Eggplant and Your Health

  • Eggplant is low-calorie, high in fiber and has a low glycemic index.
  • One phytonutrient, called nasunin, is especially high in eggplant skin.
  • Nasunin is a potent antioxidant and has been shown to protect cell membranes from damaging free radicals.

Seasonal Guide
Spring:
•       Prep beds.
•       Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
•       Harden off transplants in late spring.
•       Set plants in beds when all danger of frost is past and nighttime temperature have warmed. We always wait until June.
Summer:
•       Side dress with liquid fertilizer or compost 3-4 times during the growing season.
•       Mulch after soil is completely warmed to retain moisture and control weeds.
•       Harvest fruits as they ripen.
Fall:
•       Dig in or compost plants.

Location
Eggplant is cold-sensitive and requires a wind-free, well-drained site with good loam (sandy soil is best.) Avoid low-lying and heavy soils and use a fresh bed in a new spot each year to prevent wilt from soil-borne bacteria.

Soil Prep
Amend soil with compost or well-rotted manure, (chicken or rabbit is optimal,) at a rate of one bucketful per square yard. An application of 5-10-5 fertilizer a week before planting will give soil an additional boost.
Because of its love for heat, eggplant does especially well in coldframes, planters, tubs and raised beds.
If planting in a standard bed, black or silver sheet mulch used in conjunction with a floating row cover will help with heat retention and insect protection.

Planting
Apply black plastic or sheet mulch to soil if it is slow to warm. Cut “X” slits for planting.
When using transplants, set out at final spacing after all danger of frost is past and nights are warm

In our barely-warm-enough climate hybrid varieties will produce much more fruit than open pollinated. Water young plants with compost tea and/or Vitamin B-1.
If sheet mulch is not used, cover the bed with an inch or so of organic mulch (shredded leaves, grass clippings, straw) only after the soil is thoroughly warm, about a month after planting transplants.
When blossoms appear, pinch off all but five or six for best size fruit. You can also snip off the bottom two to three branches at the main stem to concentrate energy in the main stem and top portion of the plant.

Water
Like peppers, eggplants need deep watering, about an inch a week for young plants and a little less for adults. Water in the cooler morning hours using slow drip irrigation or a soaker hose.

Harvest
Begin harvest of half-grown fruits when skin is smooth, shiny and firm. Younger fruits are much tastier and better textured than older ones. Soft brownish fruit is overripe and tastes bitter. Cut the fruits from the plants with a sharp knife.

Diseases and Pests
Flea beetles, aphids and potato beetles can chew holes in the tender foliage of young plants. Apply a floating row cover at the first sign of these pests. The strong scent of green onion, marigold and dill can help confuse insect pests and should be planted throughout your garden. Pyrethrin spray or dust will help clear up severe infestations.
Verticillim and Fusarium wilt are best prevented through crop rotation.

Eggplant in Garden
Striped eggplant
Japanese Eggplant
Eggplant flower