When to Plant Eggplant (Aubergine) in Melbourne — Cool Temperate Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Eggplant is a warm-season Solanaceae that requires more heat than tomatoes to thrive. Originally from India, it loves hot Australian summers. Multiple types are available: classic large purple, long Asian, small Thai, white and striped varieties. As a Solanaceae, it shares crop rotation requirements with tomatoes, capsicum and chillies.
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 21.9°C (optimal range: 21–32°C) ✓ Ready to plant
How to Grow Eggplant (Aubergine) in Cool Temperate Australia
When to Plant
Sow indoors August. Transplant late November-December. Greenhouse or polytunnel strongly recommended. Outdoor growing is marginal.
- Soil
- Rich, well-drained soil with generous compost and aged manure. Slightly acidic preferred. Heavy feeders.
- pH Range
- 5.5-6.5
- Sunlight
- Full sun (minimum 8 hours). More heat-demanding than tomatoes. The warmest, most sheltered position in the garden.
- Spacing
- 60cm apart, 80cm between rows
- Watering
- Consistent deep watering 2-3 times per week. Irregular watering causes bitter fruit and blossom end rot. Drip irrigation ideal. Avoid wetting foliage.
Companion plants: Basil, Beans, Marigold, Thyme, Capsicum
Avoid planting near: Fennel, Other Solanaceae in same rotation bed
Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Eggplant (Aubergine)
Recommended Varieties
- Little Finger (fastest)
- Fairy Tale
- Black Beauty (risky - may not produce enough fruit)
Key Challenges
- Insufficient heat
- Very short season
- Cool nights halting growth
Pro Tips
- Greenhouse growing is strongly recommended for Melbourne-type climates
- Small-fruited varieties (Little Finger, Fairy Tale) ripen faster
- Every warmth trick matters: north wall, black mulch, cloche, raised bed
Harvesting Eggplant (Aubergine)
When ready: Fruit should be glossy and firm. Press gently - flesh should spring back. Skin colour at variety-typical stage (deep purple, white, striped etc.). Dull skin and brown seeds inside indicate over-maturity - fruit will be bitter and seedy.
How to harvest: Cut with sharp secateurs (stems are woody and thorny). Leave 2-3cm of stem. Do not pull. Wear gloves as some varieties have thorns on calyx. Harvest in morning.
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