How to Grow Eggplant in Pots
A heat-lover that thrives in a warm pot, eggplant is a handsome and generous container crop.
Eggplant (aubergine) is a natural for container growing. It loves heat, and a dark pot in a sunny spot gives it exactly the warm roots it craves. The plants are compact and ornamental, with glossy fruit and purple flowers, and a single well-grown plant keeps producing through the warm months.
Pot and position
Use a pot of at least 30 to 40 litres with good drainage, eggplant has a substantial root system and resents drying out in a small pot. Give it the hottest, sunniest position you have, at least six hours of direct sun. A warm, sheltered corner is ideal, as eggplant sulks in cold or wind.
Soil, planting and support
Fill with a rich, free-draining mix with plenty of compost. Plant out only once the weather is warm and settled, eggplant hates cold. The plants can get top-heavy with fruit, so put a stake or small cage in at planting to support them later.
Water and feed
Keep the mix evenly moist, eggplant is thirsty in warm weather and uneven watering stresses it and reduces fruit. Mulch the pot to hold moisture. Feed every week or two once flowering, with a higher-potassium feed such as a tomato fertiliser, to push flowers and fruit rather than just leaves.
Harvest
Pick eggplant while the skin is glossy and the fruit is firm, harvesting young and often gives the best flavour and keeps the plant producing. Dull skin and seedy flesh mean it was left too long. Cut fruit with secateurs rather than pulling, as the stems are tough.
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Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
Can you grow eggplant in pots?
Yes, eggplant is well suited to containers because it loves the warmth a pot provides. Use a large pot of at least 30 to 40 litres in the sunniest, warmest spot you have for a heavy crop.
What size pot does eggplant need?
At least 30 to 40 litres with good drainage. Eggplant has a large root system and a small pot dries out and stunts it. A bigger pot holds moisture and supports a fuller, more productive plant.
How much sun does container eggplant need?
At least six hours of direct sun, and the warmer the better. Give it the hottest, most sheltered position you have, as eggplant is a true heat-lover that sulks in cold or windy spots.
Why is my potted eggplant dropping flowers?
Like tomatoes and capsicums, eggplant drops flowers in extreme heat or on cold nights, and when stressed for water. Keep it in its warm comfort zone, water evenly, and tap flowering plants to help pollination.
When do you harvest eggplant?
Pick while the skin is still glossy and the fruit firm, harvesting young and often. Dull skin and seedy flesh mean it was left too long. Cut the tough stems with secateurs rather than pulling the fruit.
See also: How to Grow Eggplant