Solanum melongena

TAXONOMY

FamilySolanaceae

GenusSolanum

Zone10

LEARN MORE

Plants of the World Online

ABOUT

Solanum melongena, commonly known as eggplant or aubergine, is a member of the Solanaceae family. Native to South Asia, it is widely cultivated for its edible fruit. The plant thrives in warm climates and is sensitive to frost. Eggplants are known for their glossy, purple skin and spongy texture.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Aubergine

Eggplant

Melongena esculenta

Melongena incurva

Melongena ovata

Melongena spinosa

Melongena teres

Solanum aethiopicum var. violaceum

Solanum album

Solanum album var. richardii

Solanum album var. rumphii

Solanum edule var. multifidum

Solanum esculentum

Solanum esculentum var. aculeatum

Solanum esculentum var. inerme

Solanum esculentum var. subinerme

Solanum lagenarium

Solanum longum

Solanum melanoxylon

Solanum melongena subsp. agreste

Solanum melongena subsp. agrestis

Solanum melongena subsp. meridionale

Solanum melongena subsp. orientale

Solanum melongena subsp. subspontaneum

Solanum melongena var. americanum

Solanum melongena var. angustum

Solanum melongena var. arabicum

Solanum melongena var. azerbaijanicum

Solanum melongena var. bulgaricum

Solanum melongena var. cylindricum

Solanum melongena var. esculentum

Solanum melongena var. europaeum

Solanum melongena var. giganteum

Solanum melongena var. globosi

Solanum melongena var. inerme

Solanum melongena var. leucoum

Solanum melongena var. ovigera

Solanum melongena var. palestinicum

Solanum melongena var. pekinense

Solanum melongena var. racemiflorum

Solanum melongena var. racemosum

Solanum melongena var. stenoides

Solanum melongena var. stenoleucum

Solanum melongena var. variegatum

Solanum melongena var. violaceum

Solanum melongena var. viride

Solanum melongenum

Solanum mexianum

Solanum oviferum

Solanum ovigerum sinuatorepandum

Solanum ovigerum subrepandum

Solanum ovigerum var. album

Solanum ovigerum var. insanum

Solanum ovigerum var. luteum

Solanum ovigerum var. oblongo-cylindricum

Solanum ovigerum var. ruber

Solanum ovigerum var. violaceum

Solanum ovigerum violaceum

Solanum pressum

Solanum pseudoundatum var. albiflorum

Solanum pseudoundatum var. atropurpurascens

Solanum pseudoundatum var. leucocarpon

Solanum requienii

Solanum sativum var. albiflorum

Solanum sativum var. atropurpurascens

Solanum sativum var. leucocarpon

Solanum serpentinum

Solanum zeylanicum

OVERVIEW

WaterWet

SoilLoamy

LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)

Temperature25° C

Humidity60%

GDD1,800

pH6.5

Pressure1,013 mbar

WANT MORE TIPS?

Ask

DETAILS

Care Instructions

Eggplants require consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist. They thrive in direct bright light and need at least six hours of sunlight daily. Maintain moderate temperatures and humidity levels for optimal growth. Regular monitoring for pests and diseases is essential.

Harvest

Eggplants (Solanum melongena) should be harvested when the fruit is firm and glossy, typically 16-24 weeks after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The best time to harvest is when the fruit has reached its mature size but before the skin becomes dull or the seeds inside turn brown. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Handle the fruit carefully to avoid bruising, and harvest regularly to encourage continuous production.

Soil

Eggplants prefer well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to support healthy growth. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.

Fertilizer

Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season to promote healthy fruit development.

Repotting

Repot eggplants when they outgrow their containers, typically once a year. Choose a larger pot with good drainage and fresh potting mix. Handle the roots carefully to avoid damage.

Propagation

Propagate eggplants through seeds. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.

Pruning

Prune eggplants to remove any damaged or diseased leaves and to encourage bushier growth. Regular pruning helps improve air circulation and light penetration, which can enhance fruit production.

Toxicity

Eggplants contain solanine, which is toxic to pets and humans if ingested in large quantities. The highest concentration of solanine is found in the leaves and unripe fruit. Handle with care and keep away from pets and children.

Additional

Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Regularly check for common pests like aphids and spider mites, and treat infestations promptly to prevent damage.

REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE

Make Every Plant Smart

Plant Monitor

STAYS IN YOUR PLANT

Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).

Shop Now

Mobile App

DOWNLOAD ON YOUR DEVICE

Evaluates your plants' data, current weather, seasonality and more to precisely notify you about your plants needs. The app also comes loaded with many extra features to ensure your plants flourish.