Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

Seed Spacing: 18–24 inches

Row Spacing: 24–36 inches

Sunlight: Full sun

Days to Sprout: 7–14 days

Days to Maturity: 70–85 days

Growth Habit: Upright, Bushy

Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day. Eggplants thrive in warm, sunny conditions.

Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage.

When to Plant: Eggplants are warm-season crops that should be planted after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C). In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date.

Starting Indoors: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 75-85°F (24-29°C). Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 6-8 inches tall and all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing: In warm climates, seeds can be sown directly in the garden once the soil has warmed. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 2-3 feet apart in rows spaced 3-4 feet apart.

Succession Planting: Not typically needed; plants produce continuously throughout the growing season.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water eggplants regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilization: Eggplants are heavy feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time and again when the plants start to flower. Side-dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Mulching and Weeding: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature consistent. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots of the eggplants.

Staking: Black Beauty Eggplants can become heavy with fruit and may need staking to support the weight. Use garden stakes or tomato cages to keep the plants upright.

Pruning: Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to improve airflow and focus energy on fruit production. Stake or cage plants to support heavy fruit.

Pest and Disease Management: Eggplants can be susceptible to pests such as flea beetles, aphids, and spider mites. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or hand-picking to manage infestations. Practice crop rotation and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and verticillium wilt.

When to Harvest: Black Beauty Eggplants are typically ready to harvest 70-80 days after transplanting. Harvest when the fruits are glossy, firm, and about 6-8 inches long.

How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Handle the fruits gently to avoid bruising.

Storing Fresh Eggplant: Freshly harvested eggplants can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Avoid storing eggplants in very cold temperatures, as this can cause chilling injury.