Eggplant seeds are easy to grow and produce prolific plants with more eggplants than you could possibly eat on your own! We look forward to planting eggplant seeds in our garden and on our farm every spring.  Eggplants belong to the Nightshade family, one of the largest and most diverse families of vegetables. Although there is not a confirmed consensus, eggplants are believed to have originated in China and India. Eggplant seeds were then taken by the Spanish Moors and introduced to other parts of Europe. For many centuries Americans looked at eggplants with suspicion because, like the related tomato, it belongs to the Solanaceae family, also known as the nightshade family. This family of plants bears many poisonous plants. Luckily tomatoes and eggplants are not one of them! For prolific plants and a successful growing season, eggplant seeds should be planted in warm soils or on a heating mat for the best germination possible. Cold soil temperatures will slow germination. You can start your eggplant seeds 8–10 weeks before the last frost in regions with frost.  Eggplants are rock stars in the warm-season garden, and once established, they require little care. In Zones 9 and 10, eggplants can become perennials. Harvest eggplants when they have a slight give to them. The larger you allow an eggplant fruit to grow, the more fibrous and bitter it can become. We recommend you harvest heavily and frequently to keep your plants producing. Grow and enjoy your eggplant bounty in stir-fries, dips, and other dishes. Â
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