7 Must-Know Tips for Growing Bigger, Tastier Eggplants

Eggplants can be one of the most rewarding crops in your garden, but to get those big, flavorful fruits, they need the right care. 

Watering, fertilizing, pruning, and managing temperature all play a huge role in their success. 

When you get these things right, you'll not only grow more eggplants, but they’ll also taste better and stay healthier throughout the season.

If you've already picked the right variety and planted your eggplants properly, your next step is to give them the best possible care. 

In this article, we’ll go over exactly what you need to do to ensure a thriving eggplant harvest.

1. Watering Eggplants the Right Way

Watering may seem simple, but when it comes to eggplants, it’s one of the most important things to get right. 

Too much or too little can lead to weak plants, bitter fruit, and common issues like blossom-end rot. 

The key is consistency – not too dry, not too wet, and always in a way that supports healthy root development.

Encourage Deep Root Growth

One of the best things you can do for your eggplants is to train their roots to grow deep. 

When your plants are still young, resist the urge to water them too frequently. Instead, give them just enough to keep the soil slightly moist but not soaking wet. 

This forces their roots to reach deeper into the soil in search of moisture, making them more drought-resistant later in the season.

Once your eggplants start flowering, it's time to step up the watering. At this stage, they need a steady supply of moisture to support fruit production. 

If the soil dries out too much during this phase, you might end up with small, bitter eggplants or worse, blossom-end rot.

Maintain Even Soil Moisture

Eggplants like their soil to be consistently moist, but not soggy. If the soil dries out too much between waterings, your plants will become stressed, which can affect fruit quality. 

On the other hand, too much moisture can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. The trick is to keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.

Mulch is a helper when it comes to keeping moisture levels steady. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw, shredded leaves, or compost around the base of your plants. 

This not only helps retain moisture but also keeps the soil temperature stable and prevents weeds from stealing nutrients.

Avoid Overhead Watering to Prevent Disease

Avoid overhead watering at all costs!

Sprinklers might be convenient, but wet leaves can lead to fungal issues like powdery mildew. 

Instead, use a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the base of the plant. This way, the roots get what they need without encouraging disease.

By following these watering techniques, you’ll set your eggplants up for strong growth, healthy fruit production, and a much better harvest overall.

2. Feeding Your Eggplants for Maximum Yield

Eggplants are heavy feeders, and if you want a bumper crop, you’ll need to keep them well-fed. 

But not just any fertilizer will do. 

The wrong balance of nutrients can lead to lush, leafy plants with very little fruit. The key is to give them exactly what they need when they need it.

Start with Nutrient-Rich Soil

SAVE IT

Before you even plant your eggplants, it’s important to prep the soil with plenty of organic matter.

Mixing in aged compost or well-rotted manure will give your plants a steady, slow-release supply of nutrients as they grow. 

This helps them develop strong roots and healthy foliage right from the start.

Choose the Right Fertilizer

When it comes to eggplants, less nitrogen, more phosphorus and potassium is the way to go. 

Too much nitrogen leads to big, leafy plants that produce very little fruit. 

Instead, use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and high-potassium fertilizer (something like 5-10-10 or 10-20-20). This encourages strong flowering and fruit development.

Feed at the Right Stages

• Early Growth: In the first few weeks after planting, use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10, but apply it sparingly. This helps your plants establish strong roots and stems without going overboard on leafy growth.
  
• Flowering & Fruiting: Once your eggplants start producing flowers, it’s time to switch to a 5-10-10 or 10-20-20 fertilizer. This supports flower development and helps the plants set fruit more effectively. Apply it every 2-3 weeks during the fruiting period.

Boost with Epsom Salt for Better Fruits

Eggplants need magnesium to produce strong, healthy fruits, and one of the easiest ways to provide it is with Epsom salt. 

Simply dissolve one tablespoon in a gallon of water and pour it around the base of each plant every two weeks.

If you prefer, you can sprinkle a tablespoon of dry Epsom salt around the plant before watering. This little trick helps prevent blossom drop and improves the overall quality of your eggplants.

Avoid Over-Fertilization

If your eggplants have lots of lush green leaves but very few flowers, they’re probably getting too much nitrogen. 

Cut back on nitrogen-rich fertilizers and focus on phosphorus and potassium instead. 

On the other hand, if your plants are growing slowly and have pale leaves, they may need an extra nutrient boost (compost tea or a mild organic fertilizer can help bring them back to life).

3. Pruning Your Eggplants

Pruning your eggplants properly can improve air circulation, boost fruit production, and help prevent disease. 

While it might be tempting to let them grow freely, a little bit of maintenance goes a long way.

Establishing a Strong Plant Structure

Eggplants do best when they have three to four main stems. 

Allowing too many stems to grow can lead to overcrowding, which reduces airflow and increases the risk of fungal diseases. 

When your plant is still young, select the strongest stems and remove the weaker ones.

Pinching Off Suckers

Suckers are small offshoots that appear between the main stem and branches. 

If left unchecked, they take energy away from fruit production, leading to smaller eggplants. 

Pinch them off as they appear, especially near the lower part of the plant.

Supporting Eggplants with Stakes or Cages

Eggplants produce heavy fruit, which can weigh down branches and cause them to break. 

Use wooden stakes, tomato cages, or small trellises to support your plants and keep them upright.

Trimming Excess Leaves for Airflow

Dense foliage traps moisture and blocks sunlight, making your plants more vulnerable to disease. 

Remove lower leaves that touch the soil and thin out excess growth to improve airflow and encourage even ripening.

By regularly pruning and properly supporting your eggplants, you’ll set them up for a season of strong, healthy growth and an abundant harvest.

4. Manage Weeds and Soil Effectively

Weeds can rob your eggplants of valuable nutrients, water, and sunlight, leaving them weaker and less productive. 

Keeping your garden weed-free and improving soil quality will help your plants thrive.

Using Lettuce as a Natural Weed Barrier

A great way to suppress weeds naturally is by planting lettuce between your eggplants. 

Lettuce provides a ground cover that shades the soil, blocking weed growth while keeping the temperature cooler. 

This method also helps retain moisture, cutting down on the need for frequent watering.

Applying Mulch for Moisture Retention and Weed Control

Mulching is another effective way to keep weeds under control while improving soil health. 

A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (such as straw, shredded leaves, or compost) prevents weed seeds from sprouting while keeping the soil cool and moist. 

Apply mulch right after transplanting your eggplants to lock in moisture and give your plants a strong start. 

Just be sure to keep mulch slightly away from the plant’s base to prevent rot and fungal issues.

5. Know What to Do at Each Growth Stage

Understanding the different stages of eggplant growth will help you provide the right care at the right time. 

Each phase has specific watering, fertilization, and pest management needs that will maximize your yield.

Early Development Stage

In the first few weeks, eggplants focus on root expansion and leaf development. 

Water sparingly to encourage deep root growth, and use a balanced fertilizer to support strong stem and root formation. 

Keep an eye out for early pests like flea beetles, which can damage young leaves.

Flowering Stage

Several weeks after transplanting, your eggplants will begin flowering. 

The number of fruits your plant produces depends on how well it’s cared for during this stage. 

Increase watering to keep the soil evenly moist, and switch to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage more flowers and a stronger fruit set. 

If flowers start dropping prematurely, check for pollination issues, temperature stress, or nutrient deficiencies.

Fruit-Setting Stage

Once your eggplants start producing fruit, they’ll need more nutrients and consistent moisture. 

Keeping the soil evenly moist will prevent bitter fruit and blossom-end rot. Apply 

Epsom salt bi-weekly to provide magnesium, which helps with fruit setting. 

Monitor for pests and diseases during this time, as infestations can reduce fruit quality and yield.

6. Deal With Weather and Plant Stress

Eggplants are sensitive to extreme weather, and sudden temperature changes can reduce yields, weaken plants, or cause premature flowering. 

Managing environmental stress will help keep your plants growing strong.

Protecting Eggplants from Cold Nights

Eggplants love warmth and struggle when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). 

If an unexpected cold snap hits, use row covers or garden fabric to keep your plants insulated. 

Cloches or plastic covers can also trap heat, but the best way to prevent cold stress is by waiting until temperatures stabilize before transplanting outdoors.

Preventing Heat Stress and Sunburn

If temperatures rise above 85°F (29°C), your plants may experience flower drop, slowed growth, or sunburned fruit. To protect them:

• Use shade cloth during peak heat hours.
• Apply mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture.
• Water deeply and consistently to help plants tolerate extreme heat.

By managing temperature fluctuations, you’ll ensure steady growth and a more productive harvest.

7. Fix Common Growing Problems

Even with the best care, eggplants can face some challenges. The good news is that most problems have simple solutions. Here’s how to handle some of the most common issues.

Bitter-Tasting Eggplants

Bitter fruit is often caused by inconsistent watering or nutrient imbalances. To fix this, maintain steady moisture levels throughout the growing season. 

Mulching can help retain soil moisture and prevent stress. Also, avoid using too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer, which can lead to leafy growth at the expense of fruit quality.

Blossom-End Rot

If you notice dark, sunken spots at the bottom of your eggplants, you’re dealing with blossom-end rot (a calcium deficiency often caused by inconsistent watering). 

To prevent this, keep the soil evenly moist and avoid drastic dry spells. Adding crushed eggshells or gypsum to the soil can provide extra calcium to help prevent this issue.

Common Eggplant Pests

• Aphids: These tiny pests suck sap from leaves, weakening the plant. A strong spray of water or neem oil will keep them in check.
  
• Flea Beetles: Small holes in leaves are a sign of flea beetles. Using floating row covers and applying diatomaceous earth around plants can help prevent damage.
  
• Spider Mites: Yellowing leaves with fine webbing indicate spider mites. Spray leaves with water regularly and use insecticidal soap if necessary.

Fungal Diseases and Prevention

Eggplants are prone to fungal infections like powdery mildew and leaf spot, especially in humid conditions. To prevent disease:

• Improve airflow by pruning excess foliage.
• Avoid overhead watering to keep leaves dry.
• Apply organic fungicides like neem oil or copper spray at the first sign of infection.

By keeping a close eye on your plants and taking quick action, you can prevent most growing problems before they get out of hand.

Ready to Harvest?

Now that you’ve learned how to properly care for your eggplants throughout the growing season, the next crucial step is knowing when and how to harvest them at the right time.

Harvesting too early or too late can affect flavor, texture, and overall yield, so recognizing the right harvest cues is essential.

In the next article, “How to Harvest Eggplant,” you'll learn when eggplants are at peak ripeness, the best harvesting techniques, and how to maximize continuous fruit production.

Happy growing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions about growing eggplants? Here are some common ones to help you out.

1. Why is my eggplant not producing fruit?

If an eggplant plant is not producing fruit, it could be due to lack of pollination, high temperatures, too much nitrogen, or inconsistent watering. If flowers are falling off without producing fruit, hand-pollinating with a small brush might help.

2. Can I plant eggplants in the same spot every year?

Eggplants should not be planted in the same spot every year. Since they are part of the nightshade family, rotating them with different crops each season can help prevent soil-borne diseases and nutrient depletion.

3. What are good companion plants for eggplants?

Companion plants like basil, marigolds, beans, and peppers grow well with eggplants because they help repel pests, attract pollinators, and improve growth. However, it’s best to avoid planting eggplants near fennel since it can inhibit their growth.

4. Why are my eggplant leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can be caused by overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests like spider mites and aphids. Checking the soil moisture, fertilizing properly, and inspecting for pests can help identify the issue.