Solanum melongena Egg plant

Planting position: Full sun. Ideal for frost-free regions with long, warm seasons. Spacing of 75cm between and around plants.
Requires regular watering (less during germination period). Well-draining, compost-enriched loamy soil and layers of grass clippings mulching. Added 2:3:2 to preparing beds, at a rate of 65g.m ² and apply nitrogen liquid fertiliser during flowering period monthly Ensure good size by allowing 10 fruits only and remove all else.
Propagate from seed.
Harvesting is done from 3 months after sowing when fruit is of useable size.
Pests, diseases and their cures: Aphids, Caterpillars and Fruit fly - spray weekly with mercaptothion or (during fruiting period) endosulfan. Bacterial blight - spray with copper oxychloride.

The Eggplant, also known as the brinjal or aubergine, is related to tomatoes, potatoes and peppers. This dark purplish-red, egg- to pear-shaped fruits are baked, grilled and fried, alone or in other dishes.