The selection at the garden center may be waning, but there is still plenty of time to add eggplants to the vegetable garden. They are about as easy to grow as tomatoes and peppers, and the wide variety of cultivars available in recent years adds options for taste and size preferences. Eggplants also perform well in containers.

Transplant eggplants into the garden when soil temperatures have reached 65 to 70 degrees F. Eggplants are closely related to tomatoes, but even more cold sensitive so they should be planted a few weeks later. Mid- to late May is usually ideal for planting eggplant in the Lawrence area, but in cool, wet springs like this year’s, later is better. Black plastic can be used to warm the soil for earlier plantings. Containers and raised beds also warm more quickly than flat ground.

If planting in raised beds or in the ground, space plants 18 to 24 inches apart. If growing in a container, use a 16 or 24 inch diameter pot or something similar for each plant. Most varieties will grow to about three feet tall in a habit that is similar to peppers. Plants may also benefit from a support structure such as a cage, or they could be tied to a post when they get heavy with fruit.

The biggest challenge to growing eggplants is an insect called the flea beetle. Flea beetles chew holes in the leaves that will stress the plant and can defoliate it in a short time. Since stressed and leafless plants are unable to produce fruit, proactive flea beetle control is necessary. Use a lightweight floating row cover to provide a physical barrier. Row covers come in different weights (thicknesses) and may be referred to as insect barriers, garden fabric, frost covers, or other names. Make sure the cover is big enough to cover the plants at maturity, but put it on right after planting. Secure the sides and ends of the cloth with heavy rocks or something similar.

Along with row cover, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service recommends planting garlic, onion and mint nearby, as these crops have some natural repellant quality for flea beetles.

In larger plantings, trap crops are another option as a control. In this case, giant mustard or Chinese daikon radishes work because they are more desirable to the flea beetles than eggplants. When the radishes become heavily infested with flea beetles, remove them with as many of the insects as possible and destroy them. White and yellow sticky traps may also be effective. Insecticides, including organic/alternative options, are difficult to time and may be ineffective due to the mobility of the insect.

Besides insect control, eggplants need only deep and infrequent waterings to get through the season. They will thrive most during hot weather. Fertilize as desired to increase fruit production.

When fruits appear, wait for them to reach the mature size associated with the variety. Ripe eggplants should be firm and glossy but give slightly when touched. Remove them from the plant with shears or a knife to avoid tearing the stem. Store fruits at 45 to 50 degrees F if possible. They will last about one week after harvest.

Classic varieties that produce large, rounded, purple fruits are Black Beauty, Black Magic, and Dusky. White Beauty and Casper produce large, rounded, white fruits. Smaller, elongated fruits are produced by Ichiban, Long Tom, and Slim Jim. There are also many Asian and Italian varieties which may be available.

— Jennifer Smith is a former horticulture extension agent for K-State Research and Extension and horticulturist for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. She is the host of “The Garden Show.” Send your gardening questions and feedback to features@ljworld.com.