How to grow eggplant in a raised bed

Eggplant loves heat, and a raised bed's soil warms early and drains freely — exactly what these sun-lovers want for a long, glossy-fruited season.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun, 6+ hours
• Spacing: 50 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 12–16 weeks
• Support: a stake for heavy fruit

When should I plant eggplant?

Eggplant is frost-tender and needs warmth — plant from late spring into summer once the soil is warm. In the tropics the window is longer. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): August to December
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): September to December
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): October to November
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): April to August
• Arid inland: August to November

How do I grow eggplant in a raised bed?

Plant into warm, rich mix in the sunniest spot and stake as the fruit sets. Pinch out the first flower to build a stronger plant before it fruits.

How often should I water and feed eggplant?

Water deeply and evenly — uneven watering brings on blossom-end rot. Feed every couple of weeks once fruiting; a food like Dynamic Lifter suits them.

What pests attack eggplant?

Keep an eye out for aphids, the 28-spotted ladybird, fruit fly, two-spotted mite and whiteflies. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect eggplant?

The main ones are fusarium wilt, blossom-end rot and mosaic virus. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with eggplant?

Basil and beans are good neighbours; keep eggplant away from its relatives if disease has been a problem. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest eggplant?

Pick while the skin is glossy and springs back to a gentle press — dull skin means it's over-ripe and bitter. Regular picking keeps the plant producing.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Joydeep, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.