While eggplants, also known as brinjals or aubergine, aren’t as widely farmed as maize or pumpkins in Mzansi, more farmers are starting to grow them and it seems they don’t require much to thrive.
These plants do well in warm climates and, with proper care, can produce a steady harvest. By focusing on healthy soil, consistent watering, and managing pests, you can grow eggplants that not only contribute to your meals but also bring diversity to your garden.
Plus, they’re packed with nutrients that support a balanced diet.
A superfood for chronic health
Hamond Motsi, an agronomist and PhD student at the faculty of agriscience at Stellenbosch University, says eggplants can provide significant nutritional benefits due to their abundance of vitamins, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants.
Compared to other crops in the Solanaceae family, few studies have investigated aubergine’s metabolic profile, which provides an overview of the available nutrients and compounds, Motsi explains.
“Eggplant possesses potential pharmaceutical applications that are currently being recognised in the management of chronic diseases, which are becoming increasingly prevalent and severe.”
Hamond Motsi
He notes that the eggplant contains antioxidant compounds such as phenolic compounds and anthocyanin.
“The phenolic compounds have been measured at an average of 26.6 mg/100 dry weight, which plays a critical role in decreasing intestinal absorption of monosaccharides, thereby helping to regulate circulating glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus.”
It is also good for your heart. The anthocyanins, conversely, contribute to hyperlipidaemia treatment and atherogenic cardiovascular disease prevention through inhibition of lipid peroxidation, he adds.
Motsi further highlights that aubergines present a low caloric content, which makes them suitable for weight loss.
These characteristics have led to increased attention towards eggplants as people are increasingly considering their dietary preferences to reduce the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses, he explains.
READ NEXT: Ignite your veggie vibes with these hot summer crop picks
Grow your own healthy eggplants
According to horticultural scientist Marina Jordaan, based in Cradock in the Eastern Cape, eggplants should be planted after the last frost date, which is usually during late spring or early summer (October to November).
This timing allows you to avoid the last frost periods and gives the plants enough warm weather to establish and produce fruit, she says.
In warmer areas, eggplants can be planted in spring when the soil temperature has warmed up, usually from September to November.
“These areas provide a longer growing season for eggplants.”
Night temperatures should not fall below 15°C, Jordaan notes.
She adds that eggplants are heavy feeders, requiring a balanced supply of essential nutrients throughout their growth cycle. Therefore, it is important to analyze the soil to determine its nutrient content, after which a suitable fertilisation program can be compiled.
“Excessive fertilisation can lead to nutrient imbalances, reduced fruit quality, and environmental pollution.”
Watering strategies
These plants are water-loving and require consistent moisture for healthy development, but over-watering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, explains Jordaan.
“The most effective irrigation system for eggplant cultivation is drip irrigation, as it delivers water directly to the root zone, minimizing water loss through evaporation and runoff.”
Marina Jordaan
She adds, “This system also minimises leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.”
As drip irrigation can be expensive to install, flood irrigation can also be used, she recommends.
Eggplants have specific water requirements at different growth stages. The flowering and fruiting stage is the most critical watering period, and consistent soil moisture should be maintained.
“Water should penetrate to at least 500-600 mm, where most eggplant roots are active. Consider using mulch to help conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth.”
Harvesting healthy eggplants
In Mzansi, eggplants take around 70 to 90 days to mature from seed to harvest, explains Jordaan. This timeframe can vary slightly depending on the cultivar and local climate conditions.
“Eggplant fruits are usually harvested from summer to early autumn.”
The best time to harvest is when the fruits are 10-15 cm long, and the skin is smooth, glossy, and firm. Harvesting should be done before the skin becomes dull and the seed inside turns brown, as this indicates that the fruit is overripe and might taste bitter.
Jordaan advises planting flowers like marigolds alongside eggplants and adding dill and fennel to attract beneficial insects. She also recommends avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides, as they can harm these helpful insects.
She suggests using Neem Oil, which disrupts the life cycle of insects and repels them.
Jordaan further notes that frequent eggplant harvesting promotes the production of fruit, and it is advised to check the plants every two to three days for ripe fruits.
ALDO READ: Harness the power of green and red with a cabbage patch
Get the Health For Mzansi newsletter: Your bi-weekly dose of kasi health, wellness and self-care inspiration.
