Vegetable · Solanaceae family
eggplant
Solanum melongena
In short a 10-second read
Eggplant (vegetable) grows to 0.6–1.2 m tall and 0.3–0.9 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Plant out in May–June.
× spread 0.3–0.9 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: a lot
Soil: loamy, sandy, humus-rich
Soil pH 5.5–7
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
pinch out the tips (as needed)
Planting out
transplant outdoors: May–June
Winter protection
bring indoors for winter
Overwintering
In winter it belongs indoors.
Before the first frosts, bring the plant indoors.
- Bring indoors for winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does eggplant tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does eggplant need?
At maturity 0.3–0.9 m wide and 0.6–1.2 m tall; recommended spacing 60 cm.
Does eggplant survive winter outdoors?
Not outdoors — bring it indoors for winter.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (4)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS — How to grow aubergines
- Wikidata (CC0) — Solanum melongena
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU
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