Education Commons^™

G82-603 Eggplant, Dale T. Lindgren

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

How to grow eggplants from transplants and seeds. Includes varietal descriptions, cultural practices, harvesting tips, and possible disease and insect problems.

The eggplant belongs to the Solanaceae or nightshade family, which includes the sweet pepper, tomato and potato. The ornamentals petunia and Jerusalem cherry, and other plants such as tobacco and horse nettle, are also members of this family.

Eggplant was so named because the first varieties introduced to English-speaking people had egg-shaped fruits. Its scientific name is Solanum melongena var. esculentum.