With its attractive foliage, colorful fruit and blooms, eggplants look good in the vegetable or flower gardens. Compact or dwarf eggplants can even be grown in containers. A relative of the tomato and potato, eggplants like sunny weather and warm temperatures. Start eggplant seed indoors and wait until a few weeks after the last frost before transplanting them in the garden. A favorite in many Mediterranean dishes, eggplants can be grilled, baked, fried and used in stir-fries and dips.
Eggplant Seeds for Sale from Gurney's
With our Gardening Guarantee, we ensure that you can trust that we provide top-quality eggplants. Our wide selection of eggplant seeds are easy to grow and offer delicious flavor for a variety of culinary uses.
How to Save Eggplant Seeds
To save eggplant seeds, allow a healthy eggplant to fully ripen on the vine until it is overripe and slightly soft. Cut open the fruit and scoop out the seeds and pulp into a bowl. Soak the mixture in water for 1-2 days to loosen the seeds. Rinse thoroughly and separate the seeds from the pulp. Lay the seeds out on a clean, dry paper towel to fully dry for about a week. Store the dry seeds in an airtight container in a dark, cool location (around 35-50°F). Properly stored eggplant seeds can remain viable for up to 4 years.
How to Plant Eggplant Seeds
Fill a seed tray with moist, nutrient-rich seed-starting mix. Plant 1-2 seeds per cell at a depth of 1/4 inch, cover them lightly with soil, and water gently. Keep the soil warm and consistently moist to encourage germination. Need seed starting supplies? Shop our selection of seed starting supplies to get a jump start on the growing season.
When to Start Eggplant Seeds Indoors
Start eggplant seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your region’s last expected frost date. Use our hardiness zone map to determine your growing zone and planting schedule. Learn how to start seeds indoors on our blog.
How Long Does it Take for Eggplant Seeds to Germinate?
Eggplant seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days when kept in warm soil, ideally at temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C). Consistent warmth and moisture are key to successful germination.
How to Grow Eggplant Plants
- Start Indoors: Plant seeds in seed-starting trays 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Keep the soil temperature warm and ensure ample sunlight or use grow lights.
- Transplant: Once seedlings have 2-3 sets of true leaves, harden them off gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7-10 days.
- Planting: Select a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 5.5-7.0. Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
- Care: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Eggplants are heavy feeders, so use a balanced fertilizer or compost every few weeks. Our Tomatoes Alive! Fertilizer offers the nutrients that eggplants need to grow healthy plants.
- Support: Larger eggplant varieties may require plant supports to support heavy crops and prevent plants from toppling.
Are Eggplants Easy to Grow?
Eggplants are relatively easy to grow but thrive best in warm, sunny conditions. They are well-suited for beginner gardeners who can provide consistent care. Eggplants require warm soil, regular watering, and protection from pests. In cooler climates, starting seeds indoors and transplanting them after the last frost is essential. With proper care, eggplants can yield a steady and rewarding harvest.
What Pests and Insects are Common on Eggplants?
- Aphids: Sap-sucking insects that cause leaf curling and stunted growth.
- Flea Beetles: Tiny beetles that chew small holes in leaves, leaving a “shotgun” pattern.
- Spider Mites: Microscopic pests that form webs and cause stippling on leaves.
- Colorado Potato Beetles: Striped beetles that feed on foliage, potentially defoliating plants.
- Hornworms: Large caterpillars that can strip leaves quickly if not managed.
- Whiteflies: Small white-winged insects that weaken plants by sucking plant juices.
Pest Control Tip: Regularly inspect eggplant plants for signs of damage. Use row covers early in the season and organic solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage pests effectively. Companion planting with marigolds and basil can also help deter pests.
