Eggplant Growing in Australia

This Eggplant growing guide is to help you grow this plant also known as the aubergine. It is a great vegetable to absorb wonderful flavours while cooking. This plant is an excellent vegetable to grow in the dry season in the tropics.

Eggplant Growing Stages

Eggplant Growing in Pots

Adopt the same process as above when growing in pots. When planting, add a balanced, slow-release fertiliser and then repeat every few weeks during the season, especially when plants start to bloom.

Because it has fairly deep roots, eggplant can be grown in a wide range of soils. So sandy loams or alluvial soils are fine. Indeed the main thing is that the soil is deep and free draining. It is good to have a high content of organic matter in the soil, so don’t be afraid to work in heaps of compost before planting.

Eggplant Growing Conditions

Plant in full sun in well draining soil.

Fertilising 

Use a fertiliser rich in nitrogen, phosphate and the potassium. Be sure to apply the fertiliser to the base of the plant so you do not burn the leaves.

Eggplant Growing Tips on Watering

Eggplant needs 1.5 inches (4cm) of water each week. This is best provided in 1 or 2 watering sessions, so a deep watering occurs. Hence, this gets the water to the roots of the plant.

Eggplant Growing Season

Eggplants are warm-season vegetables that thrive in warm temperatures and full sun. Here in the tropics we grow some varieties all year around, but the dry season does tend to deliver better results.

Eggplant Growing Temperature

In terms of optimal temperature, eggplants grow best between 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). Night temperatures should not drop below 55°F (13°C).

Eggplant Growing Problems

Insect pests and diseases are more of a problem during the wet season. This is due to the hot humid conditions.

The major pests in the tropics are leaf eating beetles, aphids and caterpillars. However, you can pick these off your vine at home, or if the challenge is bigger you can use an insecticide.

Regular application of ‘white oil’ can help address these pests. Indeed white oil is an effective organic pesticide that you can make at home.

Following these eggplant growing tips should help you grow a healthy crop!

Eating Eggplant

Eating eggplant can be a delightful and nutritious experience. Indeed, eggplant is a versatile vegetable used in various cuisines around the world.

Health Benefits

Eggplant is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any diet. Here are some of its nutritional benefits.

Weight Loss

Eating eggplants can help keep your blood sugar stable. Indeed the fibre in eggplant can lower blood sugar by slowing the rate of digestion and absorption of sugar in the body.

Consequently, this slower absorption keeps blood sugar levels steady and prevents spikes and crashes. As a result, eggplant consumption is consistent with dietary recommendations for controlling diabetes.

Fibre

Eggplant contains fibre that is low in calories. So a 1-cup serving of cooked eggplant provides 2g of dietary fibre.

 Fibre may also help lower your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol and reduce your blood pressure and decrease your chance of cardiovascular disease.

Immune System

The high levels of Vitamin C make this vegetable a valuable food in boosting your immunity.

Antioxidants

In addition this plant contains antioxidants like the beta carotene in eggplant help to combat free radicals in your body.

Prebiotics

Furthermore, eggplant is a great source of prebiotic fibre that will have a positive effect on your gut health.

All of the eggplant growing tips above are worth the effort when it results in tasty produce that is good for your health.

Other Tropical Vegetables

• Capsicum
• Cucumber
• Jicama
• Kangkong
• Malabar Spinach
• Pak Choi
• Perpetual Spinach
• Pumpkin Growing
• Snake Beans Growing
• Sweet Potato
• Tatsoi

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• Tropical Herbs
• Tropical Fruits
• Indoor Ficus
• Tropical Vegetables

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