Ethiopian Eggplant Plant Care

Ethiopian Eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Solanum genus. Ethiopian Eggplant is native to Asia and Tropical Africa. Ethiopian Eggplant is also known as Scarlet Eggplant, Gilo, Gboma.

Ethiopian Eggplant displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Ethiopian Eggplant produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ethiopian Eggplant every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Ethiopian Eggplant thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Solanum aethiopicum tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Ethiopian Eggplant prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added compost. Good drainage is essential for Ethiopian Eggplant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ethiopian Eggplant every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ethiopian Eggplant is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Ethiopian Eggplant can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Ethiopian Eggplant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Ethiopian Eggplant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Ethiopian Eggplant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to trailing nightshade plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Ethiopian Eggplant is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Ethiopian Eggplant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Ethiopian Eggplant is native to Asia and Tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow Ethiopian Eggplant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.