Eggplant Seeds,
Mitoyo

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last frost date, as eggplants need a long, warm growing season. Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, and the soil temperature is consistently at least 65 F. In cooler regions or shorter growing seasons, use row covers or black plastic mulch to warm the soil and protect the plants. If you are not sure how to find your local frost dates, check out our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays or small pots filled with a seed-starting mix. Keep the soil temperature between 75-85 F during germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors once they have 2-3 sets of true leaves, spacing them 18 inches apart to give them enough room to grow. Choose a sunny location and enrich the soil with compost or organic matter before planting. Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil warm.

Water Mitoyo eggplant deeply and regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Mulch around the base of the plants to maintain soil moisture and temperature. Fruits will begin to mature about 90 days after transplanting. Harvest when they are firm, shiny, and about 4-6 inches long. Regular harvesting encourages continuous fruit production throughout the season.

• Eggplants are not insect-pollinated, so it is not necessary to isolate the plants very much to ensure pure seed. For home gardeners, an isolation distance of at least 40 feet is sufficient for seed saving.
• Allow fruit to become overripe; the fruit will become slightly wrinkled and soft.
• Scoop seeds out, rinse, and spread out to dry thoroughly.
• Properly stored eggplant seeds will remain viable for up to 4 years.