Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
Eggplant (aubergine) (Solanum melongena) is an annual vegetable in the Solanaceae family. It grows 60 cm–1.1 m (24 in–3.6 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 8 °C (46 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Eggplant (aubergine) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.1 m (24 in–3.6 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 low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About 8 °C (46 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 8–11 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: cooked fruit |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Eggplant (aubergine) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, stems
Leaves are a nightshade and can cause stomach upset; eat only the cooked fruit.
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 Eggplant (aubergine)
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
Shared pests and diseases
- Late blight: Late blight spreads by wind-borne spores between potatoes, tomatoes and their relatives. Evidence B
Questions about Eggplant (aubergine)
- How far apart should I plant Eggplant (aubergine)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Eggplant (aubergine) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Eggplant (aubergine) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Eggplant (aubergine)?
- It tolerates about 8 °C (46 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Eggplant (aubergine) flower?
- About 8–11 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks.
- Is Eggplant (aubergine) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Leaves are a nightshade and can cause stomach upset; eat only the cooked fruit.
- What grows well with Eggplant (aubergine)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Eggplant (aubergine). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
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
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica
- Ground cherry (husk cherry) Physalis pruinosa