African eggplant (garden egg) Solanum aethiopicum
African eggplant (garden egg) (Solanum aethiopicum) is an annual vegetable in the Solanaceae family, native to Tropical Africa (domesticated from S. anguivi). It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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African eggplant (garden egg) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 7–10 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 100 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruits (white to red, eaten raw or cooked), leaves |
| Native to | Tropical Africa (domesticated from S. anguivi) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is African eggplant (garden egg) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, unripe fruit
Nightshade family: solanine in green parts.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with African eggplant (garden egg)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Questions about African eggplant (garden egg)
- How far apart should I plant African eggplant (garden egg)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does African eggplant (garden egg) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does African eggplant (garden egg) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is African eggplant (garden egg)?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does African eggplant (garden egg) flower?
- About 7–10 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks.
- Is African eggplant (garden egg) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Nightshade family: solanine in green parts.
- What grows well with African eggplant (garden egg)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for African eggplant (garden egg). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- Traditional African vegetables, World Vegetable Center
Notes and assumptions
- The “garden egg” offered to guests in Nigeria and Ghana; Brazil’s jiló is the same species.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica