Eggplant is a warm-weather plant. The optimum temperature for germination is 24-29°C (seedlings should emerge in 6-8 days) and 22-30°C for growth and fruit development. Full sun is a must. Eggplant is adaptable to different kinds of soil conditions. Deep, fertile and well-drained sandy loam or silt loam soils are desirable. Eggplant cannot tolerate frost and the growth of young plants is retarded when the temperature is below 16°C. Eggplant can tolerate drought and excessive rainfall, but growth slows when temperatures exceed 35°C.

Cultivation instructions:

Eggplant is a long-duration crop and applying NPK fertilizer during the growth (3 and 6 weeks after transplanting) and harvesting periods (every 2-3 weeks) is needed. Irrigation is essential in areas with little rain during the growing and fruiting stages. Avoid using land that was previously planted with solanaceous crops such as potato, tomato, pepper, etc. From flowering to market-fruit size takes about 3-4 weeks. Firm and heavy fruits should be harvested while they are still glossy with a desirable color.