How to Grow a Miniature Eggplant

Miniature eggplants grow the same way as regular eggplants are grown, but they produce much smaller fruits. Varieties such as Little Fingers, L'il Darling, Thai and Bambino, are not only smaller, but have distinctive flavors. Miniature eggplants usually have thinner skins, are more tender and sweeter than regular varieties. The fruits also mature faster, making them good for areas with shorter growing seasons.

Compost or composted manure
Turning fork or tiller
Trowel
Aluminum foil
Black plastic mulch (optional)
Fertilizer
Organic pesticide
Bacillus thuringiensis
Gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a planting site for miniature eggplants in full sun. Add 6 inches of compost or composted manure to the soil and work it into the top 12 inches.
- 2
  Plant eggplant starter plants after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart. Place an aluminum foil collar around the stems' bottoms protecting them from cutworms. Black plastic mulch speeds early growth in cooler climates.
- 3
  Water as needed, but do not overwater. Eggplants are relatively drought tolerant, but are prone to root rot.
- 4
  Fertilize miniature eggplants monthly with a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 5-10-10. High-nitrogen fertilizers produce too much foliage and too little fruit.
- 5
  Check frequently for aphids, whiteflies, potato beetles, tomato hornworm, cucumber beetle, spider mites, flea beetle and leafhoppers. Treat infestations with organic pesticides.
- 6
  Check for bacterial and viral wilts. Pulling and destroying affected plants keeps the disease from spreading to other plants.
- 7
  Harvesting miniature eggplant fruits when the skin is still shiny avoids tough, bitter fruit. Store the fruit at temperatures above 45 F and use as soon as possible for the best flavor.

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