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(Best months for planting Eggplant in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

September: Bring on in pots - need a long growing season

• Harvest in 90-110 days
• Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed.
• Best planted at soil temperatures between 24°C and 32°C.
• Space plants: 60-75cm

A large bushy plant with attractive purple flowers. Has spiky stems. Wear gloves to harvest fruit as the spikes on the calyx are sharp enough to break one's skin.

In United Kingdom - grow in heated greenhouse. Reduce artificial heat during summer months

Needs a long season. Start under cover and plant out when frosts have finished.

Some varieties with slim, long fruit such as Asian Bride produce their fruit earlier. Mulch well and keep well watered. May need staking

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Eggplant

Cut and use the same day if possible.
Slice, no need to peel, and fry in olive oil.
Brush with oil and grill or bake.
Or microwave,plain, for about 4 minutes on high.
Makes a good substitute for pasta in lasagne or moussaka.
Can be smoked over a gas ring or barbecue, cooled and peeled and used to make dips.

Your comments and tips

20 Mar 11 Richard (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I grew eggplant last season but never got anything from it. I tried again this year and have successfully grown 3 plants and they have all fruited. I live in North Canterbury also.

23 Apr 11 Shallie (New Zealand - temperate climate)

how to you help with polination as I have heard that the bees dont find the eggplant that attractive?

24 Sep 11 Nathe (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Anyone had any luck growing eggplants along with capsicum and tomatoes outside in Canterbury? We're in Christchurch and thought we'd give it a go, worth a shot or a waste of time?

28 Oct 11 Tui (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

We are in the Far North. I planted out some egg plant in the garden about 3 weeks ago and they just haven't done anything. In fact they look sad and slightly yellowing. What could be the problem? I put general garden fert and chook poo on before planting (about a week) plus lime. What conditions do they like? I've spoken to a couple of other people up here and they also said they had no success with growing them.

29 Oct 11 Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Tui, I'm also in the Far North. We have had some unusually cold nights for the last month and that has probably held back your Eggplant seedlings. You could try protecting them with some frost cloth or plastic bottles at night.

30 Oct 11 Tui (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

I wondered if it could be the cold Liz. But it has been so warm lately, and still they haven't changed. I have actually sent a soil test away for analysis, so will be interested to see what that says. A couple of my capsicum look pathetic too!

09 Nov 11 Raj (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Solving aphid problem in roses or vegetable plants: Leave babana peels under the plants. I don't know how it works. But it definitely works for me in Hamilton. I stopped hosing or spraying ahid killers.

09 Jan 12 Roger (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I have one plant, set in a good base of compost in a raised bed outside, in Nelson. It is flourishing. I water it regularly and there are plenty of flower heads. No special care and attention but it is a sunny spot. It has dwarf beans as neighbours and they seem to get on. No special care so far, so I suggest people check your growing medium and the location for your plant then let it get on with it.

15 Jan 12 Alli (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Hi, I'm a first time 'learner' gardener, and I planted eggplant in an enormous pot in our sunny lounge. The plant has gotten really quite large, and has had a few flowers - but no fruit. Do I need to stick this out in the garden somewhere for it to fruit? Thanks in advance :)

19 Jan 12 (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Alli, your eggplant needs to be pollinated either by insects (outdoors) or by hand with a soft artists' brush or a cotton bud. Once the weather settles, you would be safe to put your pot outside.