Eggplant Production, Climate and Soil

Climate and Soil
Eggplant Production

	A long growing season of about 120 days is required. Eggplant is a warm-weather crop that grows best under temperatures of 21° to 29°C. Cooler temperatures can reduce fruit set. Higher temperatures and high humidity levels also reduce yields.
	Eggplant can tolerate drought and excessive rainfall (shown). It will not tolerate extended periods of saturated soil due to the build-up of root-rotting pathogens. Eggplant will not tolerate frost.
	Choose land that is fertile, well drained, and accessible to irrigation water. Avoid fields that were previously planted with Solanaceous crops such as potato, tomato, and pepper. Rotating eggplant with paddy rice is ideal because of the reduction of nematodes and bacterial wilt in the soil. A sandy loam soil is ideal when an early yield is desired. Heavier soils are preferable for longer and later yields.