Eggplant Growing in Australia

This Eggplant growing guide is to help you grow this plant also known as the aubergine. It is a great vegetable to absorb wonderful flavours while cooking. This plant is an excellent vegetable to grow in the dry season in the tropics.

When to Plant Eggplant Australia

In Australia, the best time to plant eggplant is during the warmer months. Here’s a general guide based on regions:

• Tropical Regions: For best results you should plant from September to February. However we now grow eggplants all year round without difficulty.
• Subtropical Regions: Plant from September to January.
• Temperate Regions: Start seeds indoors around late winter (August) and transplant outside from late spring to early summer (November to January).

Eggplants love warm weather, so ensure that the last frost has passed before planting them outdoors. They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight.

Eggplant Growing Season

Eggplants thrive in warm weather and are typically grown during the spring and summer months. They need a long growing season (about 100-120 days from planting to harvest), so it’s important to ensure they have plenty of warmth and sunlight for optimal yield.

Lebanese Eggplant Growing

Lebanese eggplant is a smaller, elongated variety of eggplant with smooth, dark purple skin and tender flesh. It is known for its mild flavor and slightly sweeter taste compared to larger globe eggplants. Lebanese eggplants are commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking due to their versatility and quick cooking time.

Eggplant Growing from Seed

Growing eggplant from seed can be rewarding, but it requires warmth and patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide detailing stages in the process.

Eggplant Growing Stages

Eggplant Growing in Pots

Adopt the same process as above when growing in pots. When planting, add a balanced, slow-release fertiliser and then repeat every few weeks during the season, especially when plants start to bloom.

Because it has fairly deep roots, eggplant can be grown in a wide range of soils. So sandy loams or alluvial soils are fine. Indeed the main thing is that the soil is deep and free draining. It is good to have a high content of organic matter in the soil, so don’t be afraid to work in heaps of compost before planting.

Eggplant Growing Conditions

Plant in full sun in well draining soil.

Eggplant Growing Temperature

In terms of optimal temperature, eggplants grow best between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). Night temperatures should not drop below 55°F (13°C).

Fertilising 

Use a fertiliser rich in nitrogen, phosphate and the potassium. Be sure to apply the fertiliser to the base of the plant so you do not burn the leaves.

Eggplant Growing Tips on Watering

Eggplant needs 1.5 inches (4cm) of water each week. This is best provided in 1 or 2 watering sessions, so a deep watering occurs. Hence, this gets the water to the roots of the plant.

Eggplant Growing Problems

Insect pests and diseases are more of a problem during the wet season. This is due to the hot humid conditions.

The major pests in the tropics are leaf eating beetles, aphids and caterpillars. However, you can pick these off your vine at home, or if the challenge is bigger you can use an insecticide.

Regular application of ‘white oil’ can help address these pests. Indeed white oil is an effective organic pesticide that you can make at home.

Following these eggplant growing tips should help you grow a healthy crop!

Eating Eggplant

Eating eggplant can be a delightful and nutritious experience. Indeed, eggplant is a versatile vegetable used in various cuisines around the world.

Health Benefits

Eggplant is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any diet. Here are some of its nutritional benefits.

Weight Loss

Eating eggplants can help keep your blood sugar stable. Indeed the fibre in eggplant can lower blood sugar by slowing the rate of digestion and absorption of sugar in the body.

Consequently, this slower absorption keeps blood sugar levels steady and prevents spikes and crashes. As a result, eggplant consumption is consistent with dietary recommendations for controlling diabetes.

Fibre

Eggplant contains fibre that is low in calories. So a 1-cup serving of cooked eggplant provides 2g of dietary fibre.

 Fibre may also help lower your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol and reduce your blood pressure and decrease your chance of cardiovascular disease.

Immune System

The high levels of Vitamin C make this vegetable a valuable food in boosting your immunity.

Antioxidants

In addition this plant contains antioxidants like the beta carotene in eggplant help to combat free radicals in your body.

Prebiotics

Furthermore, eggplant is a great source of prebiotic fibre that will have a positive effect on your gut health.

All of the eggplant growing tips above are worth the effort when it results in tasty produce that is good for your health.

Other Tropical Vegetables

• Capsicum
• Cucumber
• Jicama
• Kangkong
• Malabar Spinach
• Pak Choi
• Perpetual Spinach
• Pumpkin Growing
• Snake Beans Growing
• Sweet Potato
• Tatsoi

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